It is perhaps not uncommon to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of obtaining the best. Competition can be healthy and be fun, but it is also a pristine opportunity for thieves to get your information. Remember, when describing information it is meant towards obtaining your items, accounts, and cd-keys. In light of another ladder season underway this article is to help protect you and your hard earned information. Please note that this is for educational purposes only to safe guard against thieving tactics.

What You Need to Know
First and foremost, Blizzard will never ask for your CD-Keys, account items, or passwords. They do not need them because they already have access once installed/created/registered. Anyone impersonating (claiming) to be a Blizzard representative or scamming should be reported to support@blizzard.com or hacks@blizzard.com. You may also use the Blizzard web report tool to report and obtain what is needed when reporting at https://us.blizzard.com/support/webform.xml?locale=en_US&selection=DiabloII.

Secondly, Blizzard does not replace lost or stolen items. There would be too much traffic with claims, so once they are gone, they are gone. If you think this is unfair, try to think of it this way: how would you feel if you traded and legitimately obtained an item (or account) from someone, but all of sudden it is gone because a user claimed it was not a legitimate trade? Or how would you like dealing with hundreds of two party complaints of one saying they did trade/give the item and the other claiming they didn’t? Even worse, you make the wrong decision restoring an item to a user who simply did not like what they gave/traded.

Lastly these scams typically do not require the use of third party programs. This adds to the difficulty on Blizzard’s end to determine if it was legitimate or not. It is also not uncommon for these scams to be used in combination.

Web/Email Scams

Voting/Nominations: Scammers may try to have you vote for them or register to get a reward, or to become a part of their clan, or to gain something free. This “voting” or “registration" may come in email or website form trying to have you give them your information. Beware and avoid voting with registering your information (especially beyond an account). A clan should not require a cd-key or account password.

Download This: Usually done by an email attachment (sometimes referred to a website) by having you download something with promise of a reward such as an account, item, program, etc. Unfortunately this download turns out to be a virus, keylogger, or bot, which can give them your information, and even compromise your computer resources. Some of these bots are specific enough that you will not be able to exit or stop its movements. If this happens, do a hard (push and hold the power button) shut off of your computer, clean your computer (at least delete temp files and internet history/cookies/temp files), run your protection software, and then assess the damage.

Fake Blizzard: An attempt to make an email seem like it is legitimately from Blizzard. The contents will be along the lines that you are in trouble or your account did not register and you need to complete the appropriate registration. Please ensure it is actually from Blizzard and then check any URL (link) by observing the address in the lower left corner to see if it is taking you to a legitimate website. You may also call Blizzard to see if they had indeed sent you anything.

Chat Scams

DND: Stands for Do Not Disturb and is a chat command that informs those that whisper you to why not to disturb. So, if you did, “/dnd accountname is bob and password is sue” then that is what will be displayed when whispered. If you /dnd command again then the message will no longer display.

Blizzard Says: Usually done by portraying that they are an authority, a Blizzard Representative. This usually coincides with trying to obtain your password...or else (claim you could be banned)! Remember Blizzard does not need your password or cd-key. Also their text is blue and their icon is a fully armored male with a blue cape.

Want my Account: This is an offer for a free account claiming they no longer want to play. The attempt is to have you give your account password and they will immediately attempt to log on. This can be done in games, chat rooms, and even websites. Remember to offer a different password.

Ranks Here: There are a few variations ranging in a rating, kill efficiency, etc… There is usually a promise of a reward if you are higher than they are. They require you to give them your password or email so they can find it out. If done by email they usually send an attachment or site. If you are not a ladder character, you do not have a “rank,” and the rest do not exist.

Game Scams

Its Me...Whoever: This scam is done by trying to get you to believe you know them. They may try to goad you to reveal an earlier friends account name (who they claim they are) in attempts to get you to loan them items, use your account, etc. Some may even try to drag this out for days, some might even go months. Be careful who you trust in loaning your information.

Trust for: Usually done in promise of a better item(s), account, initiation into a clan, etc. One or more people may be in on the scam (could be the entire clan). The idea is you have to drop an item, stand, or walk away without picking it up. The others may be able to pick it up and then drop it. The first or even the second item may not be taken in hopes of a better item each drop. The goal is to get you comfortable and once satisfied the item(s) is taken.

Dupe Your Items: It might be possible, but unlikely any user advertising can do so. Scammers may try to demonstrate [/sarcasm) the dupe method of a lower item (such as – key, arrow, gem or even a simple item, or a unique item). Really, they already had the item in possession and typically use items where their stats do not change. Then they try to have you give them a quality item (unique, rare, rune, rune word, etc.) and leave. Do not give your items unless they are intended to be free.

Drop It: Certain items may allow only one in possession and may not be traded in the trade window (they may only be viewed). Scammers will try to get you to trade by dropping an item standing outside of them being physically seen. This scam is done both inside and outside of town. Counting is usually involved and then the item is not there or it was not what was agreed upon trade. It could even be the same item, but severely lower than what you originally saw. For example, they showed you a perfect eth Treks and when you pick it up, the stats are heavily adjusted. Please note that these items (Annilus, Gheeds, and Hellfire Torch) are meant to be discarded if a better one is found.

The Walls: This is where a scammer will try to get you to stand in a specific spot and have you drop the item. They will try to get you to stand near a wall, edge, inside a building, or some area that the item has a chance to drop on the other side or in a position where they can get it before you can. Want to test this? Go to the Catacombs in Act I and find a cell with no door. Hold the ALT button and left click the gold to pick it up. You do not even need to teleport.

Town Hostile This is another variation of a drop scam where you drop your item(s) outside of town and they are near the edge, but still in town. The scammer hostiles and kills you, usually by traps (assassins), mercenary, summons, hammers or other large damaging effects before you can reach town. They quickly get their items and then proceed to get your dropped items. Trade in town!

Body Griefing: You may have up to 16 corpses in softcore. If you exceed 16 corpses, then the items in your possession fall to the ground each death. Some try by simply not letting you pick up your bodies while dueling. Others may try to introduce this as a dupe method. This may not be a very rewarding scam, but can be very frustrating. See http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/basics/characters.shtml for more information on characters and corpses.

Bait and Switch This is probably one of the oldest scams in the Diablo world. Essentially this involves a scammer initially showing an item to trade in the trade window. The scammer’s inventory is full, they say they need room, or they are in a hurry. Once you put your offer backup they will put the item’s image in the trade window and click the trade button. Come to find out that it is not the same item. For example, Tiamat’s Rebuke and Stormshield have the same shield image, or they may even give you the item, but it now has lower stats. Make sure you take your mouse cursor over the item carefully ensuring this is the item you agreed to trade for BEFORE clicking the Accept trade button.

Miscellaneous

Sockets: The idea of this is to boost certain item’s features by adding a gem, jewel, or rune. It might make it to look too good to be true. This method is not really a scam, but could be done with other scams. Please be sure to look at the item carefully.

Buy it for Me: Usually this involves more than one scammer. It will look something like that Scammer A has the item Scammer B wants, but Scammer A won’t sell. Scammer B is offering to overpay for the item. So, you trade with Scammer A and are successful, but traded some generally good items for a common, or even basic item…essentially, you overpaid. Both leave and you are stuck with the item.

Iron Golem: Basically the scammer selects the item they want, but first wants to test if it is legitimate by getting you to drop the item. The claim is some dupes will disappear or cannot be picked back up if dropped. They are easily a fair distance away with no real means to pick up the item before you do, and clearly in the open (so no wall gimmicks). Upon dropping the item, they turn it into an iron golem.

Really this is all completely common sense.. but I guess it'd help out brand new players.. if any exist.

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Q u o t e:
Really this is all completely common sense.. but I guess it'd help out brand new players.. if any exist.

---

It could do that or simply serve as reminder of certain behaviors to watch out for. Just like the temp ban system, it may also be easy to forget the signs of a scam, because you are caught up in the heat of things. This applies to veteran and new players.

Most of that IS common sense though. There's only a few things you must remember. 1) Never give out your PW, 2) Check your trades [view exactly what they are giving you before you hit accpet], and 3) Never trade anything you aren't willing to lose should you get scammed. The rest is just thinking about what's going on.

i hate thieving, not only in real life, but also in games, such as wow rogue, its insane, people will some day learn that through working we earn our benefits, and i think the 3rd world war will pull that, anyway, i remark 1 thing:

-Even thought BLIZZARD WILL NOT EVER GIVE YOU ANYTHING FOR FREE, what you fairly got through effort or money WILL NOT BE ASKED FOR, specially if it is personal, because everything they need is on their database, and we give that information when registeringon BNET, and also if some1 tells you that you will get a ban if you dont do something, dont trust him, because blizzard would have already banned you without previous warning, they usually dont even pay attention to what the hell did you wrong, you jsut did it and pay for the consequences

just had an email pretending to be from blizzard, first time that i have gotten this scam attempt so a heads u in case its a new one..i thought it looked suspicious and my browser blocked it anyway.



Dear Customer,

This is an automatic notification regarding your recent change(s) to your account. As you may or may not be aware of, this conflicts with the EULA and Terms of Agreement.
If this proves to be true, your account can and will be disabled. It will be ongoing for further investigation by Blizzard Entertainment's employees.

If you don't wish to get your account suspended, you should immediately verify your account ownership. If the information is deemed accurate, the investigation will be dropped.

This is easiest way to confirm your personal information along with concealed information about your account. We recommend you login to verify the information of your account:

https://www.battle.net/account/support/login-support.xml

If you ignore this mail, your account can and will be closed permanently.

Once we verify your account, we will reply to your e-mail informing you that we have dropped the investigation. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter, and your continued interest in World of Warcraft.

Regards,

Account Administration Team
P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92623
Blizzard Entertainmen INC.


be careful out there :)

Ya those email scams...watch out for them!

If there is a scam you do not see posted. I will happily add it to the list. I saw a few I meant to add a while back, but never did. Please provide the url and post number. Example:
http://forums.battle.net/post.html?forumId=12011&topicId=23767643655&postId=256239694013&op=4&sid=3000#1

Yeah tahnks for the advice, if only I had a reason to play through all the laggy bull@%%* in order to have a character worth loosing.

That'd be something wouldn't it?

Isn't wow still the most popular MMO? Don't tell me you can't afford to fix the problem.

there is one area that was not covered. Thats trade hacks - these are far less common but I know atleast one of these still works -- payed a jah to someone just to prove they could do it on 1.13 -

**One I did see**

Perpetrator insists on a hellmode game and join's with two other people in the game. (two others contribute to a lag spike) they open a trade window and ask to see the item you want to trade. they immediately click their accept button "playin around" they then basically put their trade item in the window and start moving it around and watch the ping levels -- when they have i think he said 7k lag running, they use a 3rd party program to lock your side of the trade to hide that they removed the item...and then they click accept... you accept thinking item is still there, unaware that the lag mixed with a 3rd party program is tricking your trade screen. otherwise they get very tricky with packet modifiers.

the one that is claimed to still exist but i have yet to confirm this is -


Scammer/hacker has empty inventory -- they go into a public trade game -- ask to see your gear, the hack allow's them to click your accept as well as their own. I did have someone demonstrate this to me in 1.09 - never seen it again but had friends mention that it happened to them recently -- could be friends got scammed and didn't want to admit it -- or its real...

falls under hack/scam both -- confirmed and unpatchable unless redesign of game completely.

Scammer tries to goad you into a "click" game... ie try to trick them into clicking check marks. You will see them first put item into trade and then play a game of "click on click off" the green check mark. you will ALWAYS fail to catch their item -- i will explain this shortly. After this, your turn to put an item of value up. You put it up and you will see them do a couple tease clicks... the minute you click yours to tease back--- the item is theirs.

How this works. They are running a package that will do a couple things automatically. When their item is in the trade window, it will tease with a click so fast you can never accept it. it is faster than what the server will acknowledge as a successful trade agreement. (ie by the time you see the green, the trade accept has been cancelled. on server) now it gets interesting-- your turn --- you put an item up in the window .. they will have their's tease you... but the minute you think your gonna tease them back, theirs auto-accepts the trade.... you cant click faster than the server or their auto-accept. you lose every time.

You just asked me for my cd key and login information for d2 to be able to post on this forum

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Q u o t e:
You just asked me for my cd key and login information for d2 to be able to post on this forum

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Who are you talking to? These forums are owned and operated by Blizzard

---

Q u o t e:
You just asked me for my cd key and login information for d2 to be able to post on this forum

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This is an official Blizzard site - it asks for the cd key to validate you truly own the game.

---

Q u o t e:
It is perhaps not uncommon to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of obtaining the best. Competition can be healthy and be fun, but it is also a pristine opportunity for thieves to get your information. Remember, when describing information it is meant towards obtaining your items, accounts, and cd-keys. In light of another ladder season underway this article is to help protect you and your hard earned information. Please note that this is for educational purposes only to safe guard against thieving tactics.

What You Need to Know
First and foremost, Blizzard will never ask for your CD-Keys, account items, or passwords. They do not need them because they already have access once installed/created/registered. Anyone impersonating (claiming) to be a Blizzard representative or scamming should be reported to support@blizzard.com or hacks@blizzard.com. You may also use the Blizzard web report tool to report and obtain what is needed when reporting at https://us.blizzard.com/support/webform.xml?locale=en_US&selection=DiabloII.

Secondly, Blizzard does not replace lost or stolen items. There would be too much traffic with claims, so once they are gone, they are gone. If you think this is unfair, try to think of it this way: how would you feel if you traded and legitimately obtained an item (or account) from someone, but all of sudden it is gone because a user claimed it was not a legitimate trade? Or how would you like dealing with hundreds of two party complaints of one saying they did trade/give the item and the other claiming they didn’t? Even worse, you make the wrong decision restoring an item to a user who simply did not like what they gave/traded.

Lastly these scams typically do not require the use of third party programs. This adds to the difficulty on Blizzard’s end to determine if it was legitimate or not. It is also not uncommon for these scams to be used in combination.

Web/Email Scams

Voting/Nominations: Scammers may try to have you vote for them or register to get a reward, or to become a part of their clan, or to gain something free. This “voting” or “registration" may come in email or website form trying to have you give them your information. Beware and avoid voting with registering your information (especially beyond an account). A clan should not require a cd-key or account password.

Download This: Usually done by an email attachment (sometimes referred to a website) by having you download something with promise of a reward such as an account, item, program, etc. Unfortunately this download turns out to be a virus, keylogger, or bot, which can give them your information, and even compromise your computer resources. Some of these bots are specific enough that you will not be able to exit or stop its movements. If this happens, do a hard (push and hold the power button) shut off of your computer, clean your computer (at least delete temp files and internet history/cookies/temp files), run your protection software, and then assess the damage.

Fake Blizzard: An attempt to make an email seem like it is legitimately from Blizzard. The contents will be along the lines that you are in trouble or your account did not register and you need to complete the appropriate registration. Please ensure it is actually from Blizzard and then check any URL (link) by observing the address in the lower left corner to see if it is taking you to a legitimate website. You may also call Blizzard to see if they had indeed sent you anything.

Chat Scams

DND: Stands for Do Not Disturb and is a chat command that informs those that whisper you to why not to disturb. So, if you did, “/dnd accountname is bob and password is sue” then that is what will be displayed when whispered. If you /dnd command again then the message will no longer display.

Blizzard Says: Usually done by portraying that they are an authority, a Blizzard Representative. This usually coincides with trying to obtain your password...or else (claim you could be banned)! Remember Blizzard does not need your password or cd-key. Also their text is blue and their icon is a fully armored male with a blue cape.

Want my Account: This is an offer for a free account claiming they no longer want to play. The attempt is to have you give your account password and they will immediately attempt to log on. This can be done in games, chat rooms, and even websites. Remember to offer a different password.

Ranks Here: There are a few variations ranging in a rating, kill efficiency, etc… There is usually a promise of a reward if you are higher than they are. They require you to give them your password or email so they can find it out. If done by email they usually send an attachment or site. If you are not a ladder character, you do not have a “rank,” and the rest do not exist.

Game Scams

Its Me...Whoever: This scam is done by trying to get you to believe you know them. They may try to goad you to reveal an earlier friends account name (who they claim they are) in attempts to get you to loan them items, use your account, etc. Some may even try to drag this out for days, some might even go months. Be careful who you trust in loaning your information.

Trust for: Usually done in promise of a better item(s), account, initiation into a clan, etc. One or more people may be in on the scam (could be the entire clan). The idea is you have to drop an item, stand, or walk away without picking it up. The others may be able to pick it up and then drop it. The first or even the second item may not be taken in hopes of a better item each drop. The goal is to get you comfortable and once satisfied the item(s) is taken.

Dupe Your Items: It might be possible, but unlikely any user advertising can do so. Scammers may try to demonstrate [/sarcasm) the dupe method of a lower item (such as – key, arrow, gem or even a simple item, or a unique item). Really, they already had the item in possession and typically use items where their stats do not change. Then they try to have you give them a quality item (unique, rare, rune, rune word, etc.) and leave. Do not give your items unless they are intended to be free.

Drop It: Certain items may allow only one in possession and may not be traded in the trade window (they may only be viewed). Scammers will try to get you to trade by dropping an item standing outside of them being physically seen. This scam is done both inside and outside of town. Counting is usually involved and then the item is not there or it was not what was agreed upon trade. It could even be the same item, but severely lower than what you originally saw. For example, they showed you a perfect eth Treks and when you pick it up, the stats are heavily adjusted. Please note that these items (Annilus, Gheeds, and Hellfire Torch) are meant to be discarded if a better one is found.

The Walls: This is where a scammer will try to get you to stand in a specific spot and have you drop the item. They will try to get you to stand near a wall, edge, inside a building, or some area that the item has a chance to drop on the other side or in a position where they can get it before you can. Want to test this? Go to the Catacombs in Act I and find a cell with no door. Hold the ALT button and left click the gold to pick it up. You do not even need to teleport.

Town Hostile This is another variation of a drop scam where you drop your item(s) outside of town and they are near the edge, but still in town. The scammer hostiles and kills you, usually by traps (assassins), mercenary, summons, hammers or other large damaging effects before you can reach town. They quickly get their items and then proceed to get your dropped items. Trade in town!

Body Griefing: You may have up to 16 corpses in softcore. If you exceed 16 corpses, then the items in your possession fall to the ground each death. Some try by simply not letting you pick up your bodies while dueling. Others may try to introduce this as a dupe method. This may not be a very rewarding scam, but can be very frustrating. See http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/basics/characters.shtml for more information on characters and corpses.

Bait and Switch This is probably one of the oldest scams in the Diablo world. Essentially this involves a scammer initially showing an item to trade in the trade window. The scammer’s inventory is full, they say they need room, or they are in a hurry. Once you put your offer backup they will put the item’s image in the trade window and click the trade button. Come to find out that it is not the same item. For example, Tiamat’s Rebuke and Stormshield have the same shield image, or they may even give you the item, but it now has lower stats. Make sure you take your mouse cursor over the item carefully ensuring this is the item you agreed to trade for BEFORE clicking the Accept trade button.

Miscellaneous

Sockets: The idea of this is to boost certain item’s features by adding a gem, jewel, or rune. It might make it to look too good to be true. This method is not really a scam, but could be done with other scams. Please be sure to look at the item carefully.

Buy it for Me: Usually this involves more than one scammer. It will look something like that Scammer A has the item Scammer B wants, but Scammer A won’t sell. Scammer B is offering to overpay for the item. So, you trade with Scammer A and are successful, but traded some generally good items for a common, or even basic item…essentially, you overpaid. Both leave and you are stuck with the item.

Iron Golem: Basically the scammer selects the item they want, but first wants to test if it is legitimate by getting you to drop the item. The claim is some dupes will disappear or cannot be picked back up if dropped. They are easily a fair distance away with no real means to pick up the item before you do, and clearly in the open (so no wall gimmicks). Upon dropping the item, they turn it into an iron golem.

---

tl;dr

In other words, Don't be stupid and you won't get scammed.

*Note Only stupid people get scammed because they did something stupid or they are stupid.

---

Q u o t e:


tl;dr

In other words, Don't be stupid and you won't get scammed.

*Note Only stupid people get scammed because they did something stupid or they are stupid.

---

Oh how I hate this attitude. Basically you are saying, if you get scammed, you deserved it. So if you try to scam me and succeed, I deserved it. Therefore the scammer is just doing God's work. Do you work for Goldman Sach's by any chance?

---

Q u o t e:
Oh how I hate this attitude. Basically you are saying, if you get scammed, you deserved it. So if you try to scam me and succeed, I deserved it. Therefore the scammer is just doing God's work. Do you work for Goldman Sach's by any chance?

---

God must have willed it. "God wills it!"

---

Q u o t e:
just had an email pretending to be from blizzard, first time that i have gotten this scam attempt so a heads u in case its a new one..i thought it looked suspicious and my browser blocked it anyway.



Dear Customer,

This is an automatic notification regarding your recent change(s) to your account. As you may or may not be aware of, this conflicts with the EULA and Terms of Agreement.
If this proves to be true, your account can and will be disabled. It will be ongoing for further investigation by Blizzard Entertainment's employees.

If you don't wish to get your account suspended, you should immediately verify your account ownership. If the information is deemed accurate, the investigation will be dropped.

This is easiest way to confirm your personal information along with concealed information about your account. We recommend you login to verify the information of your account:

https://www.battle.net/account/support/login-support.xml

If you ignore this mail, your account can and will be closed permanently.

Once we verify your account, we will reply to your e-mail informing you that we have dropped the investigation. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter, and your continued interest in World of Warcraft.

Regards,

Account Administration Team
P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92623
Blizzard Entertainmen no t? INC.


be careful out there :)

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Blizzard Entertainmen no t? INC.


and thanks for this list, some of the scams i didnt know of.

---

Q u o t e:
Blizzard Entertainmen no t? INC.


and thanks for this list, some of the scams i didnt know of.

---

Yep, pay attention to those mistakes, beacuse they are great indicators as well. Glad you found the list helpful.

These are definitely of the nasty sort, and if those emails are not read carefully, and I mean real carefully, they can get you quite easily. I've had my fair share of those, thank goodness I ignore all game emails rather real or not! :D