Given the high demand for gold in World of Warcraft and the anonymous nature of the internet there is a high chance you will encounter someone attempting to scam you either in or out of game to get access to your account or scam gold from you.
I want to share with you the most used and popular scams and how to protect yourself so that your hard earned account and gold stay with you.
1. Keylogging – This is where a script is hidden into a link found on a forum, website, in-game mail or email which installs keylogging software to record your keyboard input. The most common type of link will end in .jpg or .src. Once this software is on your computer it will be easy to spot someone typing in their account name, followed by their password. A remote user will then log onto your account, change the password and sell all your valuables.
Protection
Users have found that using Firefox and installing No-Script provided the most protection as it will block all scripts from running. It will take the extra step of whitelisting sites you do trust but you won’t have to be wary of links after.
2. E-Mails asking for account info – One of the most used scams are from emails claiming to be from blizzard, these can be extremely convincing, like this supposed “invitation” to the new expansion beta:
They go on to ask for your account information, password, etc.
Protection
Simple, Blizzard will never contact you asking for your account information or password. Do not give this out to anyone.
3. C.O.D In-Game Mail – Another very popular scam, you will receive an email usually in a storyline format, such as from the Argent Dawn or Scourge stating for your services and loyalty to them you have been awarded a “gift”. This gift comes in the form of a Cash on delivery, it looks like you are receiving gold but you are actually PAYING out gold just by clicking on the attachment and accepting.
Protection
Fortunately a window comes up “Are you sure you want to send [x] gold to this user” where you can say no and cancel. If it seems to good to be true it usually is!
4. Auction House Scams – So many to list, basically people trying to trick you with numbers when you go to purchase common items from the auction house. They may list the bid price of an item for 89 silver, but set the buy out to 99 gold hoping that you will miss the currency switch and buy it in your rush to get out and start playing.
Protection
Always take your time at the auction house and re-check the amounts when the verification message comes up to how much you are paying.
5. Crafting Scam – Many of us have to get our items and potions crafted as we do not have the appropriate profession to do it ourselves, and if we aren’t part of a guild we have to hire the services of freelancers in the city. While the majority of crafters are legit, there are some who are looking to purposely scam you from your gold. These are usually targeted at high cost items to craft with expensive materials that you must hand over to the crafter first before getting the end product where they could easily take the materials and sell them, leaving you bone dry.
Protection
Check the users guild, usually throughout your playing you will commonly see the most reputable guilds on the server and know that they are legit. Some common things to look for, if the characters name is suspicious, like “scamsalot” “ninjaganker” or “gjdnzamiii” I would steer clear! Another recommendation is to talk with someone you know and get a recommendation if they have had similar things crafted and by whom.
6. Turtle Mount Code – You may see someone in-game selling their “code” to redeem a turtle mount or other specific rare mount. Given the high demand for these, and I don’t blame people because they are so damn awesome, many will give in and pay 1000g+ to hopefully get this code. SCAM! don’t trust these guys, you will lose that gold for sure.
I hope this saves a few from getting scammed or losing their accounts, please share any other attempted scams you’ve experience yourself so we can make everyone aware!
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hey, i’ve just found your site from the BA forums, really nicely put together!
I have one question though… do you have an RSS feed that I’ve missed somewhere? Otherwise I’ll end up losing you in my mountain of wow-bookmarks!
Hey softi, glad you like the site!
Thank you for the great suggestion, something I’ve been meaning to get around to but now its up on the 1st right sidebar. Appreciate the feedback
great site nice layout and wonderful tips. you forgot the scam of the W.O.W. 2 month cards were people sell them and ask for massive amounts first before you get the code. otherwise amazing tips and site
he said the top 6 scams.
i got 1 for u the guys that always pst u saying hi im soandso visit http://www.suchandsuch.com for the free 15kg u have earned for playing so much blablabla
not a true site didnt know it would post as 1 sorry
Also a ingame whisper saying congragulations u have been picked as a blizzard winner blah blah blah plz contact this site (W/e they put)… to redeem this prize blah blah blah be wary its a keylogg
I really like the fresh perpective you did on the issue. Really was not expecting that when I started off studying. Your concepts were easy to understand that I wondered why I never looked at it before. Glad to know that there’s an individual out there that definitely understands what he’s discussing. Great job!