> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs/legal-information/official-sources.md).

# Official Sources & Risks

## 🆓 Maps4FS is COMPLETELY FREE

**Maps4fs is 100% FREE - now and forever. No exceptions.**

### What's FREE:

* ✅ **Public Web Application**: Use [maps4fs.xyz](https://maps4fs.xyz) anytime, for free
* ✅ **Local Deployment**: Install and run on your own computer for free
* ✅ **Source Code**: Full access to all code on GitHub for free
* ✅ **All Features**: No paid tiers, no premium features, no subscriptions
* ✅ **Map Generation**: Generate unlimited maps for free
* ✅ **Updates**: All future updates and improvements are free

### NO Paid Features:

* ❌ **No paid versions** - Everything is free
* ❌ **No paid deployments** - Local installation is free
* ❌ **No premium accounts** - All users have full access
* ❌ **No paid support** - Community support is free
* ❌ **No subscriptions** - No recurring charges ever
* ❌ **No hidden costs** - Completely free, forever

### 🚨 If Someone Asks for Money - IT'S A SCAM

**Anyone charging money for maps4fs, access to maps4fs, or features of maps4fs is committing FRAUD.**

***

## ✅ Official Sources ONLY

Use or download maps4fs **ONLY** from these trusted locations:

### 1. Public Web Application (Easiest Option)

**URL**: <https://maps4fs.xyz>

* ✅ **No installation required** - use directly in your browser
* ✅ **Free to use** - no registration, no payment
* ✅ **Always up-to-date** - latest version automatically
* ✅ **Full featured** - all map generation capabilities
* ✅ **Official public deployment** - maintained by iwatkot

### 2. GitHub Repository (Primary Source)

**URL**: <https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs>

* ✅ Official source code
* ✅ Latest releases
* ✅ Complete documentation
* ✅ Issue tracker and support
* ✅ Local deployment instructions

### 3. Python Package Index (PyPI)

**URL**: <https://pypi.org/project/maps4fs/>

* ✅ Python package installation: `pip install maps4fs`
* ✅ Official PyPI package maintained by iwatkot
* ✅ Verify package name is exactly `maps4fs`

### 4. Official Documentation

**URL**: <https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs>

* ✅ User guides and tutorials
* ✅ Technical documentation
* ✅ Installation instructions

**Verify the Author**: The official repository owner and package maintainer is **iwatkot**.

***

## 🚨 SCAM WARNING

### If Someone is Selling Maps4fs - IT'S A SCAM!

Maps4fs is **completely free**. Anyone charging money for it or for maps created with it is **defrauding you**.

### Common Scam Scenarios

#### ❌ Red Flags - Report These Immediately:

1. **Paid Software**
   * Anyone selling "maps4fs premium"
   * Websites offering "paid versions" with extra features
   * Download sites charging for access
2. **Paid Maps**
   * Anyone selling maps created with maps4fs
   * "Custom map generation services" for money
   * Patreon/subscription-based map access
3. **Unofficial Websites**
   * File-sharing platforms (MediaFire, Mega, etc.)
   * Third-party download sites
   * Fake websites pretending to be maps4fs.xyz
   * Mirror sites claiming to be "official"
4. **Social Media Scams**
   * Facebook/Discord accounts selling maps4fs content
   * Instagram/TikTok accounts offering "exclusive" paid versions
   * YouTube videos with paid download links
5. **Fake Support Services**
   * Paid "technical support" for maps4fs
   * Paid "installation services"
   * Paid "troubleshooting" for issues

***

## 🛡️ Security Risks

Downloading maps4fs from unofficial sources exposes you to:

### Malware Threats

* **Trojan Horses**: Disguised as legitimate software
* **Viruses**: Can damage your system
* **Ransomware**: Encrypts your files and demands payment
* **Spyware**: Monitors your activity without consent

### Data Theft

* **Password Stealers**: Captures login credentials
* **Credit Card Theft**: Extracts financial information
* **Identity Theft**: Steals personal data
* **Browser Hijacking**: Redirects and tracks browsing

### Other Risks

* **Cryptocurrency Miners**: Uses your CPU/GPU without permission
* **Backdoors**: Allows remote access to your computer
* **Keyloggers**: Records everything you type
* **Botnet Recruitment**: Uses your PC for attacks

### Modified/Broken Code

* Outdated versions with bugs
* Disabled or broken features
* No official support available
* Incompatibility with Farming Simulator

***

## ✅ How to Verify Authenticity

### Check #1: URL Verification

Only trust these exact URLs:

* ✅ `maps4fs.xyz` (public web application)
* ✅ `github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs`
* ✅ `pypi.org/project/maps4fs/`
* ✅ `maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs`

### Check #2: Author Verification

* ✅ GitHub username: **iwatkot**
* ✅ PyPI package maintainer: **iwatkot**
* ❌ Any other username is **NOT** official

### Check #3: Price Check

* ✅ Maps4fs is **FREE** - always
* ❌ Any payment request = **SCAM**
* ❌ "Donations required" = **SCAM**

### Check #4: Package Name (Python)

When installing via pip:

```bash
pip install maps4fs  # ✅ Correct
```

❌ Any variation (maps-4-fs, maps\_4fs\_pro, etc.) is **NOT** official

### Check #5: License Verification

* ✅ Official license: **CC BY-NC 4.0**
* ✅ Check [LICENSE.md](https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs/blob/main/LICENSE.md)
* ❌ Different license = modified/unofficial version

***

## 📢 Report Scams

Help protect the community by reporting scams!

### What to Report

* Websites selling maps4fs or related content
* Social media accounts charging for maps
* Fake download links or mirror sites
* Malware-infected versions
* Impersonation of the official project

### How to Report

1. **GitHub Issues**
   * Visit: <https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs/issues>
   * Create a new issue with the "Scam Report" label
   * Include:
     * URL of the scam
     * Screenshots if possible
     * Description of the fraudulent activity
2. **Include Details**
   * Where you found it (website, social media, etc.)
   * What they're claiming or selling
   * Price they're charging (if applicable)
   * Any suspicious behavior

Your reports help us:

* Warn other users
* Take action against scammers
* Protect the community
* Keep maps4fs free and safe

***

## 💡 Stay Safe

### Best Practices

1. **Bookmark Official Links**: Save the official GitHub and documentation URLs
2. **Use Official Channels**: Only download from GitHub or PyPI
3. **Verify Before Installing**: Check the source before running any software
4. **Keep Antivirus Updated**: Protect against malware
5. **Trust Your Instincts**: If something feels wrong, it probably is
6. **Share This Information**: Help others avoid scams

### Remember

* Maps4fs is **FREE** - now and forever
* Official sources are **safe and verified**
* Scammers target uninformed users
* **When in doubt, ask** on the official GitHub

***

## 💬 Get Help & Report Issues

If you're unsure whether a source is legitimate or need help:

### Primary Support Channels

1. **Discord Community (Recommended)**
   * **Join**: <https://discord.gg/wemVfUUFRA>
   * ✅ Fast community support
   * ✅ Real-time help from experienced users
   * ✅ Report scams and suspicious activity
   * ✅ General questions and discussions
2. **GitHub Issues**
   * **Visit**: <https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs/issues>
   * ✅ Bug reports and feature requests
   * ✅ Technical issues
   * ✅ Official issue tracking

### Official Resources

* **Web Application**: <https://maps4fs.xyz>
* **Official Repository**: <https://github.com/iwatkot/maps4fs>
* **Documentation**: <https://maps4fs.gitbook.io/docs>

**It's better to ask than to risk your security!**