Our Fraud Unit has investigated several cases in recent days involving video game systems. Users of cloud-based video game systems like X-Box and Play Station 3 have reported that their credit card information is being stolen from these devices. Victims have entered and stored their credit card information on these game systems to purchase games and other items and then found out someone else had hacked in and was using their credit card fraudulently. This has happened to video game users whose game systems are connected to the internet both with a wire line and wirelessly.
This is a nationwide problem (see this article from PC Magazine) and one that will require gamers to practice extra vigilance to protect their information.
To prevent becoming a victim of this technology-based crime, consider the following:
• Don’t tell anyone your user password or identification numbers.
• Do not store your credit or debit card number on the system or in an “account.” If your intentions are to use your credit or debit card number then make the entry for each purchase individually and do not store the number in the system or an account.
• Remain anonymous. Question the need to use your real identity, especially identifying information such as a date of birth or social security number.
• If you feel you have been a victim of a financial crime as a result of any type of “hacking,” or if your personal or financial information has been compromised, notify your financial institutions immediately.
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