World of Warcraft Scams

[jormungar_worm]

===Is existing security not already enough?===

While the authenticator provides an extra security layer strong enough to make your account virtually unhacklable, you can already secure your computer a lot. Is the authenticator really needed?

If you're running Firefox with Noscript, Flashblock, adblockers, 5 different virus and spyware scanners, a NAT router with it's ports strictly regulated, using Linux/MacOS X or another operating system, and other security measures I can't think of at the moment, you are probably really secure. The danger is hackers finding a new way to enter your system that isn't being guarded yet. Until the vulnerability is patched, or instructions to disable the exploited software are issued, you could potentially get infected with a virus or other malicious software during that short time. The more security measures you take, the lower the chance you will be vulnerable. But security is an ever-changing thing. You have to keep things up-to-date constantly in order to stay secure.

Using an authenticator is completely optional, but it does solve the problem by taking another approach. Instead of preventing keyloggers from getting onto your system, it makes you virtually immune to them. They can try, but with a login code that is always changing logging your keystrokes won't be any good.

If you wish to better secure your system without buying an authenticator, instructions are given in stickies on the WoW forums, links to which are provided at the end of this post.

Then there is the issue of cost. Blizzard is offering these for €6, but should they? It would be a lot better if they provided them for free right? Well, I doubt Blizzard is making money on these. The manufacturing and distribution of these tokens costs them money, and €6 is actually pretty cheap. Market prices for these devices can be around €50.

I myself have been playing for almost 30 months, so that's almost €400 this game has cost me already, and I’m not even counting the money I payed for the original game and the expansion. I'm not going to mind another €6, especially since it provides me the peace of mind of never risking account theft. I must admit I’m not using a lot of other security measures, so I will certainly be buying this.

[jormungar_worm]

===More Information===

If you wish to learn more about this authentication technology, I got most of my information from the Security Now podcast. All episodes are freely available for download on GRC|Security Now!|Featuring episode #210. Transcripts are also available. The particular episode that deals with the authenticator technology is #90: Multifactor Authentication, the part which covers some of the information above starting 20 minutes into the episode.

===Useful Links===

Buy the Blizzard Authenticator:
Blizzard Store

More information about the Blizzard Authenticator:
Press release: Blizzard Entertainment - Press Release
Support page Blizzard Support
FAQ page: Blizzard Support
Activating your authenticator: Blizzard Support

Links for securing your system against keyloggers (no authenticator required):
Protect your PC guide: World of Warcraft (en) Forums -> [Guide] Protect your PC [ Updated 10-07-07 ]
Avoid getting hacked: World of Warcraft (en) Forums -> [Guide] How to REALLY avoid getting hacked.
Account security: World of Warcraft (en) Forums -> Account Security
How to recover a compromised account: World of Warcraft (en) Forums -> [Guide] How to Recover a Compromised Account

[jormungar_worm]

Just had this happen to me today

about half an hour ago I received three messages from players named Blizzwow, Blizz and Blizzxj
1) "Hi,Blizzard is about to launch a new mounts,Free trial,For more information, please log in: <<URL REMOVED so no ones gets keyloged >>".
2) "Bulletin?You have become a Blizzard lucky player, 3 days later you'll get a surprise gift of the mysterious, registered address: <<URL REMOVED so no ones gets keyloged >>".

all the Above is Fake and intended to steel your account/s

[LindlineOLD]

Edited the title to actually reflect the scope of the post.

[jormungar_worm]

Originally Posted by Lindline

Edited the title to actually reflect the scope of the post.

Cheers ling-ling

[Tim]

Great stuff guys, I'm glad this got sticked. Gold farmers and game hackers seem to be more aggressive since the new expansion was released.

[jormungar_worm]

New Scam via e-mail

I have removed all website links so no one gets their account stolen
--------------------------------
Cataclysm Alpha Scam

I have removed all website links so no one gets their account stolen

You have been selected to participate in the alpha test of World of Warcraft®: The Cataclysm™. Welcome!
In the alpha test you’ll get an opportunity to test the first zones of the new The Cataclysm zone, and the new levels above 80. We look forward to your feedback on the overall experience, including quests, monsters, zones, aesthetics, and more. We would also appreciate reports on any bugs you may encounter. These can be logged using the /bug command explained below.
Once upgraded to Cataclysm alpha you will still have the option to play on the Wrath of the Lich King realm's aswell as the Cataclysm Test Realms.

Getting started:

In order to participate in the alpha test, you must upgrade an existing retail account that has been upgraded with the Wrath of the Lich King®, allowing you to connect to the The Cataclysm alpha™ test realms. The World of Warcraft®: the Wrath of the Lich King® game client that you use must be patched up to version 3.1.2 or later in order to install the alpha test client.
To do so, please proceed to the site listed below to upgrade your retail account to Cataclysm alpha.
Please be prepared to enter the current retail World of Warcraft account name and password you use, and the appropriate information to authenticate your eligibility to connect to the The Cataclysm alpha test realms. To participate in the alpha tests, you must have a valid retail World of Warcraft account active and in good standing as of March, 1st 2009.
Once you have upgraded your Wrath of the Lich King Account to Cataclysm alpha you will be sent a unique download url to your account email. The download will contain the alpha test client installer.
Please allow up to 48 hours for the download url to be sent.
To begin upgrading your World of Warcraft Game Client please extract the attached folder to your World of Warcraft directory. Once extracted run the program, if you are currently using Windows Vista™ you will need to run the program as an administrator.

Your Cataclysm Alpha Key:

*Alpha Key removed*


World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Account to The Cataclysm Alpha

*Website removed*



Sending us feedback:
Typing /bug in chat will open an error reporting interface, and we encourage you to use it any time you encounter a problem or want to send us a suggestion.

Troubleshooting:

If you experience any difficulties installing the alpha game client, or have problems connecting to the test realms, please contact Technical Support either by posting on the appropriate forum at World of Warcraft - English (NA) Forums -> or by email at *Website removed*. Please remember that this software is still undergoing development, so any in-game issues should be reported using the /bug feature

[jormungar_worm]

yet another one.
-------------------------------------------
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Beta Opt In‏

Greetings,

Following the great success of Blizzcon 2009 and the announcement of the next World of Warcraft expansion, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, we have decided to open the opt-in for the Cataclysm beta test. In the beta test you will be given an opportunity to provide your feedback on the overall gameplay experience as well as experience new playable worgen and goblin races, new zones, professions and more. For a full list of features please go here. *Website Removed*
We will be selecting account holders of Battle.net and World of Warcraft accounts who opted-in at random to participate in the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Beta Test. To opt-in for the beta test please visit the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm website which can be accessed here.
*Website Removed*

In order to be eligible for the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm - Beta Opt In you will need to have a valid World of Warcraft subscription or Battle.net account in good standing as of August 25, 2009.

Should you be selected to participate in the beta test you will be able to transfer your characters onto our test realm and embark on the epic journey against the dreaded Deathwing!

We look forward to working with you in the World of Warcraft: Cataclsym Beta test. *Website Removed*

Thank you,
Dustin Browder,
Lead Designer
Blizzard Entertainment

[Diablo Gamer]

here are some phishing emails i got

From: Gamecard Office (rewardoffice@blizzard.com)
Date: 28-8-2009 13:09:05
To:
Subject: Granted Access to Blizzard World of Warcraft Gamecard Increaser.


Welcome!



Thank you for your activity at World of Warcraft.

As to date, all active members of World of Warcraft will receive access to our Gamecard Increaser, until the 28 August 2009.

This feature requires an unused gamecard and a valid email registered with World of Warcraft in which the new Gamecard Code will be sent.

You will receive a Gamecard of double the value of the one you submitted.

Your original gamecard will then be deactivated and to use this feature again you must submit a new and unused Gamecard.

Each user may only use this feature up to 3 times and the Gamecard Increaser is only availible until the 28 August 2009.

Please allow to up to 24 hours to recieve your increased Gamecard to the email you submitted.

*Website Removed*



If you incounter any technical difficulties please contact Blizzard Technical Support at techsupport@blizzard.com.

Blizzard Reward Office

From: Blizzard (alpha@blizzard.com)
Date: 26-8-2009 17:31:15
To:
Subject: Congratulations, you have been chosen to be part of the Private Cataclysm Alpha Test.



The Cataclysm™ alpha Test,


You have been selected to participate in the alpha test of World of Warcraft®: The Cataclysm™. Welcome!
In the alpha test you’ll get an opportunity to test the first zones of the new The Cataclysm zone, and the new levels above 80. We look forward to your feedback on the overall experience, including quests, monsters, zones, aesthetics, and more.
We would also appreciate reports on any bugs you may encounter. These can be logged using the /bug command explained below.
Once upgraded to Cataclysm alpha you will still have the option to play on the Wrath of the Lich King realm's aswell as the Cataclysm Test Realms.

Getting started:

In order to participate in the alpha test, you must upgrade an existing retail account that has been upgraded with the Wrath of the Lich King®, allowing you to connect to the The Cataclysm alpha™ test realms.
The World of Warcraft®: the Wrath of the Lich King® game client that you use must be patched up to version 3.1.2 or later in order to install the alpha test client.
To do so, please proceed to the site listed below to upgrade your retail account to Cataclysm alpha.
Please be prepared to enter the current retail World of Warcraft account name and password you use, and the appropriate information to authenticate your eligibility to connect to the The Cataclysm alpha test realms.
To participate in the alpha tests, you must have a valid retail World of Warcraft account active and in good standing as of March, 1st 2009.
Once you have upgraded your Wrath of the Lich King Account to Cataclysm alpha you will be sent a unique download url to your account email.
The download will contain the alpha test client installer.
Please allow up to 48 hours for the download url to be sent.
To begin upgrading your World of Warcraft Game Client please extract the attached folder to your World of Warcraft directory.
Once extracted run the program, if you are currently using Windows Vista™ you will need to run the program as an administrator.

Your Cataclysm Alpha Key:


0765-54672-56129-09845



World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Account to The Cataclysm Alpha.

*Website Removed*


Sending us feedback:
Typing /bug in chat will open an error reporting interface, and we encourage you to use it any time you encounter a problem or want to send us a suggestion.
Troubleshooting:

If you experience any difficulties installing the alpha game client, or have problems connecting to the test realms, please contact Technical Support either by posting on the appropriate forum at World of Warcraft - English (NA) Forums -> or by email at wowalphatech@blizzard.com. Please remember that this software is still undergoing development, so any in-game issues should be reported using the /bug feature.

[jormungar_worm]

All the below is fake .

I have removed the links so no one gets their account stolen.

New ingame whisper along the lines of:

Blizzard are about to launch a new 5 times experience card so please go to *Website Removed* and register so you will be able to purchase your own 5 times experience card for more information please to go *Website Removed* and get yours today.