Obviously, our goal in providing World of Warcraft is to promote an enjoyable experience for our players. Being scammed is rarely (if ever!) described as an enjoyable experience.

However, engineering positive outcomes from interactions with other players is just as much a skill as winning PvP duels or clearing dungeons, and good judgment is the first line of defense against scamming.

This document is broken into the following three sections:

• What will happen if you are found scamming another player
• A scam prevention FAQ
• Tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam

Scamming another Player

This category includes:

• Acquiring items or any other "possessions" from another player through misinformation, confusion, or fraud (Scamming)
• Running a casino (invite others to bet a pre-determined amount of gold, use the "/random" command, and if the "roll" is within certain parameters, lose their money or gain winnings)

If a player is found to have perpetrated a scam, s/he may:

• Be given a warning
• Be temporarily suspended from the game

IMPORTANT

• Repeatedly violating any area of the Terms of Use (ToU), including the area detailed above, will often result in temporary suspension from the game.

Scam Prevention FAQ

• What is a scam?

A scam is the act of acquiring items or any other possession from another player through misinformation, confusion, or fraud. In short, using any sort of deception to gain at another‘s expense. If you are unsure if your particular case fits the criteria of a scam, contact a GM in-game and they will be able to assist you.

Example:

[Scammer] says: Give me your sword and I will enchant it.
*Victim hands sword to scammer*
[Scammer] says: ROFL NEWB! Thanks for the sword!

• What should I do if I get scammed?

If you fall victim to a scam, immediately petition your case within game. In situations where we can verify that a scam took place, a GM may attempt to intervene and assist the victim with the recovery of his/her item(s).

• Will I get my item back?

Due to many variables involved with item reimbursement and types of scams, item reimbursement is not guaranteed. We will make every effort to verify your particular case and, once verified, will try to assist in returning the item to you. Please refer to our Character & Item Restoration Policy for further details on recovering lost items.

• I was scammed again! Can you help me?

We want players to learn from their mistakes and take measures to ensure the same mistakes are not made again. We do not want players becoming career victims and utilizing the GM Staff as a crutch or shield versus scams. To this end, players will only be allowed a certain number of item restorations, including those lost to scams.

• I grouped with a "ninja-looter." Can I get the item that I am entitled to returned?

Players that loot an item out of turn or against the group‘s wishes do not fit in the criteria of a scammer, and will not be investigated by the GM Staff.

• I purchased an item out of game and have not received my item! Can the GMs assist?

If you are scammed out of game, we will be unable to assist you, as Blizzard does not recognize any attempts to sell items outside of the game. We do not support, condone, or investigate these types of transactions, as all data contained on the World of Warcraft servers is property of Blizzard Entertainment and cannot be bought or sold without the express written permission of Blizzard Entertainment.

Tips to Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Scam

• Never give your prized possessions to anyone that you do not trust

In World of Warcraft there should never be a reason to hand your items to an unknown player for any reason. Such things as casting enchantments to your items can be done safely through the secure trading window, with little risk to the player. Moving an item to the "Will not be traded" box in the secure trading window allows other players to cast enchantments, or other effects on an item without it ever leaving your possession. Be wary and display extreme caution to any player suggests a proposal or deal that involves trust.

• Caveat Emptor (Buyer beware)

Many scammers will attempt to use the auction houses as their tools of trade. Be diligent on what items you decide to purchase and the costs associated with each item. Always confirm the cost of the item before bidding or purchasing. In player to player transactions, confirm the item you are trading or purchasing before accepting the trade.

• Real Blizzard Employees will never ask you for items or gold

GMs and other Blizzard Employees will never ask you to transfer your items to them. Be wary of players attempting to use the guise of being a GM or Blizzard Employee to trick you into giving him/her your possessions. If a player ever attempts to defraud you in this fashion, contact an in-game GM immediately, via our "Help Request" feature, to report the issue.

• Do not participate in cross Realm trades

We do not support any trades of gold or items across Realms (servers). The risk is placed entirely on the player‘s shoulders. If you engage in these types of transactions, you run a huge risk of being scammed.

• Be cautious in the friends you make

Trust should be earned and not given. Be careful in the friends and alliances you choose in game. When you join a group or guild, you are now governed by other player‘s rules. It is your choice to stay in a guild or group if you do not agree with their methods and practices.

• Keep your account information secret

Account sharing is against our TOU. All too frequently, scamming and account hacking can be attributed to sharing an account. While you may develop strong online friends and ties, any time you share your information with another person, the security of your account is seriously compromised.

The bottom line is that we want World of Warcraft to be a fun and safe environment for all players. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, and the key words are "Massively Multiplayer". In playing this game, you will encounter thousands of other players who share different experiences and come from vastly different backgrounds. Being scammed potentially negates hours of another player‘s time, and is an extremely anti-social action. We have done everything we can to make World of Warcraft a great game, but now it‘s up to you the players, to breathe life into the world. Choose wisely my friends.