I was just recently reminded about a serious issue surrounding Xbox LIVE and its messaging system.  A co-worker came to me last Friday with details about how her son’s account had been hacked after he unfortunately gave his password and other account information to someone via Xbox LIVE.  This person offered 5000 Microsoft Points for free to her son and all her son needed to do was provide his Xbox LIVE password and email so that the person could recover the account at their location.  Her son fell for it unfortunately and afterward found out what it was like to see dozens of unauthorized charges come through on his bank account and see his Gamertag changed.

I felt like it was a real responsibility of mine to make sure that you all know to be extremely careful with your personal information.  Do not offer any of your passwords, emails or any other sensitive information to anyone via Xbox LIVE!  Make no mistake that if you give out your personal information you will have your account compromised.  Representatives from Microsoft and Xbox will never ask for this information via messages on Xbox LIVE.  I know it sounds good to get free points or have your gamerscore increased but don’t trust anyone (especially a stranger) to do this for you.  Keep your account information to yourself!

There are no websites or people who have magically discovered a way to give your account free Microsoft Points.  They can’t and won’t give you free points.  Instead they’ll use your credit card information stored on your account to make purchases and do other criminal things.  And again, Xbox LIVE and the team at Microsoft will never attempt to verify or obtain your personal information via messages on Xbox LIVE.  If you are victim to this, please contact Xbox Support as quickly as you can so that they can assist you in reclaiming your account.

It’s a shame that there are people out there who prey on the lack of knowledge that some gamers have and the trust they have in people.  This is why I felt it was really important for me to get the information out there to those of you unaware of this potential nightmare.  I especially wanted to make you aware of this before the Fall Update comes and these people find new ways to sucker you in.  I don’t care if the message comes from a friend on Xbox LIVE, do not share your passwords or personal information!  If it sounds too good to be true, then it isn’t.

Examples of potential hacking messages

- Hey I know a way to get free Microsoft Points for you. I just need personal information.
- Do you want (insert awesome game item)? I can get it for you.  I just need personal information.
- I can give you an easy 1000 Gamerscore.  I just need personal information.
- I work with Xbox or Xbox Support.  I just need personal information.
- Your account has been stolen.  I just need personal information to verify you as the owner.
- Go to (some website link) to get free points.  Just sign up with your personal information.

I hope everyone shares this information with others so that you can possibly save a friend from a serious nightmare.  Send a message to people on your friend’s list about this and share it with your family so that they are aware as well.  I can only imagine how it feels for the people out there who have gone through it.  Let’s help each other stay safe and informed while we game.