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If it Sounds too Good To Be True

The blog posting from January 17th, 2007 says it so well it bears repeating:

"Have you ever gotten an email from someone in a small nation on another continent asking for help in transferring a large amount of money to the US for which you'll be richly rewarded? What do you do? The answer is simple - you ignore it."

While we can leave many parts of the real world behind when we enter a virtual world, we can not and should not ignore personal security. Just like in the real world, there are people out there who have made a game of befriending others with good stories intended to part you with your L$ and your real life money as well.

What happens when someone scams you in Second Life?

Initially we may hold your account. While this can be upsetting, we sometimes need to hold accounts involved in accusations of scams or fraud until we investigate to determine what happened. Holding an account can also safeguard it from further damage if an account was compromised or voluntarily shared.

It's important to note that while Linden Lab enforces the Terms of Service and Community Standard, we do not mediate or enforce in-world transactions, agreements or disputes.

To avoid scams or fraud, here are some things to be aware of:

1. Buying Linden Dollars from a person or entity unknown to you, who does not use the Risk API.
   
   Note that most auction sites often have rules regarding virtual goods. L$ transactions purchased at auction sites may not be protected by third party sites' normal loss prevention policies. Read the fine print!
   
   
2. Accepting large, anonymous Linden Dollar gifts. We have seen instances of social griefing were ill-gained L$ were gifted to high profile groups with the intent to disrupt the group infrastructure. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Protect your password. When choosing a password, think security. Do not use terms that might be easily guessed from conversation. When using in-world devices or third party sites, use unique passwords for each. . It's best not to save your password to your computer. Giving your password gives access and authorization to utilize your billing information on file. You also open your account to loss of land, Linden Dollars and inventory.
4. Sharing accounts is a violation of Terms of Service. More importantly, giving your password gives access and authorization to utilize your billing information on file. You also open your account to loss of land, Linden Dollars and inventory.

It is easy to get additional accounts. If a friend claims to need to borrow your account or even wants to pay to rent your account, don't do it! Ask them to acquire a new account of their own.

Linden Lab can reduce an accounts L$ balance if funds moved to that account were found to have been acquired by fraudulent means. Take care in buying or selling L$, it is always best to transact with accounts or organizations that have been around long enough to build reputations. Ask auction resellers in advance of buying their avatar name and check the in-world profiles to see how old they are.

While nothing is foolproof, following the above precautions will help defend you against being deceived, and as a result, you'll have a happier and more secure Second Life.