Gamertag Theft Prevention Faq Version 1.2 (Keep Bumped)

Hey, I've decided to make this Faq to help Xbox 360 console owners prevent their accounts from getting stolen or hacked.

1. Do not give out personal information...EVER

Just as the above states, keep any information that people can use to give to Microsoft Customer Support to trick them into thinking they are you, secret.

This Includes:

- Name

- Location (Which is actually shown on your gamercard)

- Phone Number

- E-mail

- Xbox 360 Serial Number

- Credit Card Number (Naturally, never give this out)

2. Be cautious about what you say on Xbox Live

Make sure to watch what you say and to who. Try not to tick of too many people as they could be a hacker or will try and steal your account. Being a jerk on Live just doesn't help anyone and will just cause problems for yourself.

3. Be wary of people who ask too many questions

Playing with someone who wants to be your friend but is asking alot of personal information? Be careful, and don't tell them your name, location, phone number, or anything personal like that. Chances are they want to trick Customer Service and want your account. Besides you shouldn't tell random strangers that anyway.

4. Try to keep a low profile

If you have a high GS, or a high rank in a online multiplayer game, don't boast about it. This will just make you more of a target to others who are jealous and want your account. People who don't want to do the work will take your account if possible.

5. Look out for phishing sites

Don't give out your Gamertag, windows live password, email, or other personal information out to these sites, whether you're looking for free microsoft points or anything like that. These sites just make lists of Gamertag accounts and passwords for Gamertag thieves.

In addition, only register your Gamertag on websites trusted by Microsoft, for example MyGamerCard.net.

6. Keep your Windows Live account secure

Make sure you have a long, complicated password to prevent hackers from guessing it, but make sure you can remember it or write it down in a safe place. Changing your password every so often can help protect your account as well.

7.Privacy is the smartest choice

Keep your Gamertag and your gamer profile private or friends only. Even make your buddy list friends only as hackers can ask a friend for your personal information. Privacy is a safe way to prevent Gamertag theft.

Final Note

Many account thefts are because of Microsoft's Customer Service so these tips are not fullproof but should help. If anyone would like to contribute more information, please post here.

I would like to give credit of this info to:

- Myself

- The_Electro_Man

- DKoresh

- -DrRobotnik-

- i-like-pie

- -eddy-

- Firehawk122094

- ownzone55

You know you can edit your first post and add in things you get from posters.

A thing that comes to my mind is, keep changing you Windos LiveID password every now and then. It won't probably prevent it but in some cases it could help.
Like if someone gets your infos and you change them then, by change, he'd have to reclaim those infos.

And do not fall for those Enter your info and Gamertag for free MS points websites.i-like-pie

If you do then... you need help. :|

Anyway, I have a pretty low GamerScore (a little under 3000) and not a high rank in anything, so my account shouldn't be under too much of a threat, but I guess I could use your advice.

nice thread, i'll keep those tips in mind. :)Jdog30

Glad I could help Jdog30

Alright, let's see some more contributions Gamespotters!

A rising cause of gamertag theft seems to be people phoning MS and claiming they've forgotten their account information, claiming your gamertag is theirs. Usually they'd ask information about the account owner, email address, secret question, date of birth etc., but some MS employees aren't the brightest folk, and they don't confirm identities. Thus, they get your account information with a simple 5 minute phone call.karriston

Yea, Microsoft really should train their Customer Service employees better.

Also only register your gamertag on forums that are trusted by the Microsoft Corporation. Such as MyGamerCard.netFirehawk122094

Great point Firehawk122094, I will add that.

A rising cause of gamertag theft seems to be people phoning MS and claiming they've forgotten their account information, claiming your gamertag is theirs. Usually they'd ask information about the account owner, email address, secret question, date of birth etc., but some MS employees aren't the brightest folk, and they don't confirm identities. Thus, they get your account information with a simple 5 minute phone call.karriston

Do you have any proof of this or a link to a story on the web?

Theres alot of "MS points Key Generators", and "One Year of Live Generators". Dont trust any of them, most make you connect to the internet and they will send your info to the creator. hooded1man

Great point.

Nice post!!!

Also keep your feinds list private. Even to freinds ( unless you have trusted ppl) keep it private. Hackers can ask one of your freinds in real life for your email adress, and hack from there.

Nice post!!!

Also keep your feinds list private. Even to freinds ( unless you have trusted ppl) keep it private. Hackers can ask one of your freinds in real life for your email adress, and hack from there.

ownzone55

Thanks! That's a great contribution, I'll add it. I think I'll request a sticky once this gets more info on it.

thats about as much common sense as i can handle for one daychaoscougar1

True, it may be common sense, yet most people don't know to do some of the things or the fact that their Gamertags can be stolen.

[QUOTE="chaoscougar1"]thats about as much common sense as i can handle for one dayjwgamer119

True, it may be common sense, yet most people don't know to do some of the things or the fact that their Gamertags can be stolen.

:| i really hope none of those people are over the age of 15

Ty For the tips.lordmt