Roblox, the world's most popular video game with over 230 million users, is teaching children some unfortunate lessons. According to a recent investigative report by journalist Luke Winkie, Roblox has a thriving criminal underworld of scammers, hackers, and thieves who are exploiting their fellow players.

The problem lies in Roblox's robust market, where players can purchase digital cosmetic items that can range from a few dollars to a few thousand. This incentivizes players to take advantage of the naivete of others in order to make a quick buck. The phishing scheme is simple. Scammers target players with high-value items in-game or on Roblox's Discord servers and then attempt to get personal information from that player in order to take over their account. Once they have access, they empty the player’s wallets and sell all their items on third-party sites like RBX Flip, a Roblox "casino" that essentially launders the stolen goods and makes it harder for Roblox to track them down.

The pin-cracking scheme is a bit more high-tech. A custom script can hack into a player's account, acquiring username, password, and IP address and auto-unverifying their email so they have no idea their account has been hacked and have no means of retrieving it. According to one 13-year-old hacker, he's able to make as much as $6,000 in a single heist.

Roblox has implemented two-factor authentication for all users, as well as providing educational materials about avoiding scams. However, it is concerning that the company does not take action against third-party sites that are used to launder stolen goods. These sites are making it difficult for Roblox to track down the perpetrators, allowing them to continue their criminal activities.

The criminal underworld of Roblox is a sad reminder of how easily children can be exploited. Although the company is trying to educate users on how to avoid being scammed, it is not enough. Roblox is a popular game and a great way for kids to have fun and socialize. However, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of the potential dangers posed by scammers, hackers, and thieves. Roblox can do more to protect its players and crack down on illegal activities, but ultimately it is up to the players to be smart and stay safe.