Is Bubble Buzz a Scam?

If you’re thinking of using Bubble Buzz, you need to know whether it’s safe. Is Bubble Buzz a scam? 

Below, we explain whether Bubble Buzz is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when playing this game. 

What is Bubble Buzz?

Bubble Buzz is a mobile bubble‑shooter game developed by AviaGames in which players match coloured bubbles and compete in tournaments for cash prizes.  

You can play for free using in-game Gems, or enter cash games for the chance to win real money. The game also includes power-ups to boost your score and minigames where you can earn extra items.

Players can withdraw winnings using PayPal and make deposits through major payment services like Apple Pay and Visa. ‘Bonus Cash’ given by the app is usually not withdrawable. 

Bubble Buzz is available for iOS and Samsung devices, but not on Google Play.

Is Bubble Buzz a Scam?

Depends on why you want to play Bubble Buzz, i.e., for fun or to make money. If your primary intention is to make money, be aware that some players have raised concerns that the game may utilize bots, which could compromise fairness in competitive matches.

Several third-party publications and review sites have reviewed Bubble Buzz. 

For example, FinanceBuzz rates Bubble Buzz as 3.9 out of 5.0 stars and concludes that Bubble Buzz is a fun, skill-based bubble shooter you can play for free, though it offers only small winnings. 

That said, FinanceBuzz is hesitant to recommend the game due to a lawsuit alleging that players may be matched against bots (more on this below). 

User reviews of Bubble Buzz are mixed. For example, the game has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating (based on 72,323 reviews) on the App Store. 

Users praise the game’s graphics and confirm that winning and cashing out is possible, but note a waiting period for withdrawals. A few complain about fairness and allege the presence of bots. 

AviaGames (Bubble Buzz developer) gets mostly negative reviews:

• 2.3 out of 5.0 stars (from 232 reviews) on Trustpilot.
• 1.67 out of 5.0 stars (from 110 reviews) on the Better Business Bureau website. 
• 1.3 out of 5.0 stars (from 597 reviews) on PissedConsumer. 

AviaGames is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at the time of writing.

The company has received a total of 408 complaints on the BBB website over the last three years, with 164 of these complaints closed within the past 12 months. Most complaints involve players alleging unfair matches, withdrawal delays, or unauthorized charges. The company usually responds by referencing its matching algorithm and denying the use of bots. 

Bubble Buzz regulatory actions and lawsuits

In 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed against AviaGames, alleging that its games (including Bubble Buzz) are rigged. 

According to the plaintiffs, AviaGames misrepresented its games as skill-based and competing against real players when it actually used bots to manipulate results and ensure the company’s winning rate. 

The lawsuit alleges that Avia engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices, including operating an illegal gambling enterprise and making fraudulent statements to consumers. 

Internal documents and court statements reportedly reveal that every cash game from AviaGames in the U.S. has guides with robots that skew chances against players. 

As of now, the lawsuit is ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court. AviaGames denies these claims, stating that its games are fair and skill-based.

Bubble Buzz security 

We were unable to find any publicly available information about Bubble Buzz’s security. 

There have been no publicly reported data breaches involving Bubble Buzz. 

Bubble Buzz privacy

Bubble Buzz explains in its privacy policy the types of data it collects, why, and with whom it shares this data.

It may collect the following personal information:

• Account details: Username, password, country location, and email address. Plus, date of birth (required for cash games).
• Payment and financial account information: Name, address, phone number, and possibly government-issued identification for tax purposes. 
• Information to combat fraud: A video of you playing the game.
• Communications with support: Email address, phone number, and mailing address.
• Survey answers: May include personal information. 
• Interactive features: Any data you submit or make available through Bubble Buzz interactive features (e.g., messaging and chat features, commenting functionalities, and forums). Plus,  game scores, rankings, and achievements, and any information you share via the public sharing features of the game. 
• Sweepstakes, tournaments, competitions, contests, or other events/business development and strategic partnerships/job applications: Including personal information. 
• Device information: IP address, user settings, cookie identifiers, browser or device information, internet service provider, MAC address, and location information. 
• Usage information: Pages you visit, items you search for, emails you open from Bubble Buzz, content you interact with, links you click, the frequency and duration of your activities, and other details about how you use the service. Plus, gameplay statistics and skill data, crash logs, interactions, and usage patterns. 
• Cookie and tracking tools: For analytics and advertising. 
• Information collected from third-party sources: Including social login providers, identity verification partners (for fraud prevention and legal compliance), and referral features. 

You may also be required to submit a selfie and a government-issued ID for identity verification. This is a standard requirement for real-money gaming apps to comply with anti-money laundering (KYC) laws. The service provider (not AviaGames) may analyze your face to confirm the match. 

Bubble Buzz states that it does not collect or store biometric data, and verification is subject to the third-party provider’s privacy policy.

For fraud prevention, Bubble Buzz may ask you to record a video of yourself playing, but they state this is not used for biometric identification.

Bubble Buzz uses this information to run and personalize its games, verify identities, meet legal requirements, and prevent fraud. 

It also utilizes it to process payments and withdrawals, develop new features, and for analytics, marketing, and targeted advertising. 

Plus, to match players with others of similar skill (automated decision-making may be involved). 

The company may share your data with service providers (e.g., identity verification, customer support, hosting, analytics, and payment processors), other users (including your username, profile image, and gameplay statistics), and advertising partners (for targeted/interest-based advertising).

It may also share it with business partners and affiliates, law enforcement (if required), and another company if AviaGames is sold or merged. 

Users have privacy rights, including the right to access, correct, or delete their personal data, as well as the right to opt out of marketing emails, texts, and push notifications. You can also limit cookies and online tracking, opt out of targeted advertising/sales, or the sharing of personal data, and submit privacy requests (depending on your location). 

Bubble Buzz may store and process your data globally, including in the U.S. 

Data is retained as long as needed for business, legal, or operational purposes.

Bubble Buzz (and Avia Games in general) does not respond to “Do Not Track” signals. 

So, Should You Use Bubble Buzz?

Depends.

Bubble Buzz may suit players who enjoy bubble‑shooter games, are okay with the risk of losing money, and appreciate occasional small payouts.  

It isn’t a great option for individuals seeking a reliable income or a fair chance at competition.  Allegations of bots and fairly negative reviews mean that winning is not guaranteed, and players could lose more than they deposit.  

How to Play Bubble Buzz Safely and Privately 

• Download the app from official sources only. Bubble Buzz is available through the Apple App Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. 
• Create a separate email or use a masked email for Bubble Buzz or gaming accounts in general. This will help keep your primary email private.
• Use a strong, unique password. And don’t reuse it elsewhere. 
• Compare fees and expected returns with other game apps and consider the risk of losing your deposit. Check entry fees, withdrawal thresholds, and prize pools before joining tournaments.
• Limit how much personal information you share. Provide only the required details. 
• Review app permissions. When downloading Bubble Buzz, review the permissions it asks for. If it requires access to data or features unrelated to gameplay, avoid downloading it. 
• Set a spending limit. Determine a budget to prevent overspending. Frequent small deposits can quickly add up over time.
• Keep an eye on your transactions. Periodically check your payment account or card statements for any unexpected charges related to Bubble Buzz.
• Read the privacy policy. Understand how Bubble Buzz collects, uses, and stores your personal information.  
• Stay informed. Follow reliable sources or communities that discuss Bubble Buzz to stay up-to-date with scams, issues, and updates on lawsuits.