Following numerous forum reports that Xbox live users have been targeted by phishing scams – fraudulent activity intended to illegally gain usernames, passwords and credit card details – Microsoft has confirmed the threat and stated that it has “taken action to help protect our subscribers’ accounts.”

The scams take the form of emails erroneously claiming to be from Xbox Support, where they are asked to re-enter personal details which can be intercepted by the criminals.

Microsoft said that it is retraining staff and will reimburse any users that have had their accounts infiltrated.

“Microsoft has confirmed reports of certain individuals taking over subscribers’ Xbox LIVE accounts through fraudulent behaviour,” the firm said in an email to Next Generation.

“We’ve taken action to help protect our subscribers’ accounts and are working with our call centre staff to help reduce the likelihood of future incidents. We will reimburse any customer whose account has been compromised in this fashion. If they have lost content such as Xbox Live Arcade games, we will provide the customer with replacement content at no charge.”