BEIJING, Feb. 5 -- Have you recently been informed, through an online game community, that you have won a big prize or the offer of a big discount?

    Beijing Daily Messenger reports that since people have become familiar with tricks via cellphone text messages, swindlers have shifted their focus to online gamers, using the client applications of respected online game communities and sending what appear to be official messages.

    These messages might be advertising heavily discounted goods or congratulating the user on winning a substantial free gift.

    However, the paper explains, such "winners" are unlikely to gain from these offers. One victim has admitted to having lost 800 yuan (100 U.S. dollars) through a message received while he was playing the popular online game bloc 'Leeuu'. He was promised a laptop.

    He explained that he was intrigued by the website after clicking on a link attached to the fake message. It requested that he disclose his game account number in order to complete the deal.

    An official with the website said they have located the IP address of the online trickster and posted a notice on the homepage, informing users to remain vigilant in the face of such threats.

    The official added that only notices posted on the official website are valid.