Xbox Live ‘hack’ gets front page treatment from The Sun

UK national newspaper The Sun has this morning given front page space to a story concerning a phishing scam that has affected Xbox Live users.

It’s not a hack”, though the opening paragraph strategically uses the word to give that impression.

What the paper is in fact referencing is a phishing scam that tricks users into handing over their Xbox Live login details online by illicitly promising free Xbox Live points.

Victims are lured into the scheme via a fake email.

Once the details are obtained the perpetrators are then free to gradually syphon money from user’s accounts.

The Sun reports that the average loss to gamers in 35 countries hit by the scam is around 100, but many lost 200”.

It adds that Xbox staff are working to protect users from more attacks”, though what Microsoft can do about a third party email scam is unclear.

Microsoft has apparently agreed to refund anyone affected as long as they did not reveal their password – though, again, if users have not revealed their password online it’s hard to see how they could have been affected.

The Sun also recommends that gamers should change their password. Of course, if they haven’t fallen for a dupe email then there’s clearly no need.

MCV has contacted Microsoft for comment.