A Reminder That AI Grifters Are Also Selling Fake Video Game Guidebooks On Amazon

March 11, 2026 - 11:41

Consumers are facing a new wave of digital deception as AI-generated "guidebooks" for popular video games flood online retailers like Amazon. These fraudulent publications, often targeting major titles like Elden Ring or Baldur's Gate 3, are being produced en masse by bad actors using artificial intelligence to create low-quality, often nonsensical content designed solely to turn a quick profit.

The scam works by exploiting Amazon's vast marketplace and consumer search habits. Grifters use AI to rapidly compile generic, poorly written tips and basic information readily available for free on the internet. They then package this into an eBook or print-on-demand paperback, using eye-catching cover art and strategic keywords to appear in search results. Unsuspecting players, especially those new to a complex game, purchase these guides only to find them utterly useless, filled with repetitive text, factual errors, and vague advice.

One frustrated customer's review succinctly captured the sentiment, stating, "This is the worst item I have ever bought from Amazon." This growing issue highlights the darker side of accessible AI tools, which are now being weaponized for low-effort scams. The guides represent a pure grift, with authors investing minimal effort to capitalize on the trust of gamers seeking legitimate help. Experts warn buyers to be extremely vigilant, recommending they stick to established content creators, official guides, or reputable community forums for accurate information, rather than risking money on these AI-generated wastes of paper and digital space.