We’ve mentioned this a few times now, but it appears that Microsoft still aren’t doing a great deal about the recent Xbox 360 account compromises – least of all making sure their paying customers are being looked after.
However, it looks like those affected are taking the matters into their own hands, like this individual who has set up a blog about her ordeals.
“On January 2nd 2012 I received a few emails in a quick succession that completely ruined my day,” starts the author. “Someone had logged into my Xbox Live account, purchased 10,000 Microsoft Points and a ‘Gold Family Pack’ for a grand total of $214.97 + Taxes.”
“They had purchased the Family Gold Pack so they could then transfer the MS Points to a dummy account that they had created. I immediately attempted to log into my Xbox Live account and, when that proved unsuccessful, I got straight onto the phone with the ‘Phone Support Team’.”
And this is where it all starts to go wrong. Indeed, if you’re not Geoff Keighley, chances are this will be somewhat indicative of your experience with the so-called Support Team.
The account in question was ‘locked’ for thirty days whilst Microsoft investigated. Amazingly, during that period, her account was hacked again, and further funds were removed from her account, with Customer Services seemingly unable to do a great deal about it.
An investigation on NeoGAF suggests that the reality of the whole ongoing issue is that there are blackmarket sites set up with accounts stolen (and created with stolen cards) for sale – and whilst nobody seems to really know for sure how the accounts are being compromised, Microsoft’s attitude is baffling.
Why, for example, is there no proper two-step authorisation required for Windows Live (and thus Xbox Live) accounts, like Google offers? Thankfully, this is now starting to get some traction, with Kotaku and Edge picking up on the story.
Microsoft’s last statement on this was that the problem is a user one, and cited ‘phishing’ as the explanation. TheSixthAxis maintains this is largely nonsense.
kpikid
I have been hacked today for £51.00 and they stole all my microsoft points too (2400) which I got for the holidays. I have been trying to get my card details off their xbox live site for months.
I got the card cancelled, but someone bought FIFA 12 Gold Jumbo (whatever that is) and the online Live operator said it was something to do with Fifa 12 that people are getting hacked. Well I don’t own Fifia 12 so go figure.
Now I will have to wait until tomorrow to get an investigation logged and my account will be on hold. The police will be called and I have the address for Microsoft legal team. Like I can go against those guys….
Make sure your card details are off their servers by cancelling them, change your passwords, do not fill out all your personal information. Like someone else said, use the redeem codes for your live account.
Microsoft said they will investigate and refund me. I think they will. But the experience is a wake up call for me. No more online payments except by paypal.
Lucky for me I maxed that card at Christmas, or I would be like that lady….. :( Well…I’m in the same boat.
Be careful!
yiddo
Gold Jumbo is a DLC pack for FIFAs Ultimate Team mode, not that it matters to you.
Unlucky, hope you get what you deserve!