Permanent Account Closure

#0 - Oct. 4, 2008, 4:41 a.m.
Blizzard Post
Dear Blizzard,

I was bewildered to be notified that my account was closed. I am from Singapore and travel frequently because of work. I am currently working in China. Both my wife (who remained in Singapore) and I play WoW on separate accounts.

I had been given 2 72-hour suspensions previously, the first of which was on 7 July for a violation where I had let my wife used my account and which I had acknowledged was my fault. The second was on 29 July for reasons unexplained by Blizzard but I presumed it was similar to the first. When I posted my situation on the Customer Service Forums, my account was restored immediately (Vrakthis handled my post on the Forums). Sorry I could not locate my earlier post on this same toon belonging to my brother.

I am not sure why I received this account closure as I was the only person logging into my account since 29 July. I logged in from Australia once in August 2008 when I travelled there for work. And since launch of WOTLK was announced, I had been on my account extensively to farm gold and materials to prepare for the expansion.

The information in this post is similar to an email I had just sent to Account Administration, but as I am anxious I am also posting here.

I play on Blackrock and one of my characters is Angeltouch.

Thank you.
#6 - Oct. 4, 2008, 5:40 a.m.
Blizzard Post
Q u o t e:
I have not done any of those so I really cannot see how this action is placed on my account. Anyway, thanks for your explanation, it is a nice gesture. I hope a blue will look at this soon.


While you may not have done them, if your account was actioned for this reason, someone participated in illicit activities while accessing your account.

Generally speaking, these types of actions are related to account compromises. I'd recommend reviewing the links that Dave posted for you.
#8 - Oct. 4, 2008, 6:03 a.m.
Blizzard Post
Q u o t e:
May I know when can I expect a reply from Account Administration?

As quickly as possible is the only estimation I'm able to provide, I'm afraid. =/
#10 - Oct. 4, 2008, 6:13 a.m.
Blizzard Post
Q u o t e:
How would they contact me, via email to the registered email account?

Usually, yes.

Q u o t e:
Also, is there any possibility that such an action is reversed, and what are the steps I need to take to do that?

Just send an -email to [email protected]. =)
Q u o t e:

Sorry for the many questions but this is something which I had devoted time and effort into over the past 3 years. I think you'd understand.

No need to apologize, Sharyl. You'd be surprised at how many of these types of questions we get. ;)
#13 - Oct. 7, 2008, 7:54 a.m.
Blizzard Post
Q u o t e:

My questions:

1. Will I be given an immediate account closure as my next account action, especially when the 2nd and 3rd suspensions have been explained and deemed unnecessary by Blizzard? They should be revoked i.e. treated as though they never happened. I am not looking to start any questionable activities but merely trying to set the record straight.

2. Can Account Administration let me know the exact reason(s) that prompted the latest action i.e. permanent account closure? This is so that I can take steps to ensure account security and prevent such actions in future. I have read related information posts and I believe I am taking reasonable steps to ensure my account security.

I think Account Administration is doing the right thing by acting swiftly, but they cannot do so blindly. Lastly, I wish to thank the GMs in this forum, especially Vrakthris and Reythur, for your prompt assistance.


I can certainly understand your concerns Sharyl.

We are always looking at better ways to block the 'bad guys' and protect our players. Sometimes, that does result in an unfortunate suspension of service while we make sure that our bonafide players aren't being stolen from and their accounts abused when suspicious activity is observed.

When you appealed these to Account Administration, typically any negatives caused by a compromiser are taken into consideration. Should you ever have any questions about that - you are always more than welcome to write Account Administration at [email protected] and inquire. Remember to be specific to the incident, and simply ask that this be checked - and removed if it wasn't already removed prior to your email.

As to specifics on what triggered this, I am very sorry - those aren't usually shared. I can certainly understand why you'd want to know, but sharing our investigative methods with our honest players also means sharing them with those that they are aimed at. That only gives them tools to try to circumvent them.

Just FYI, you and your wife should not be sharing an account. Account sharing, even among spouses isn't allowed under the Terms of Service. Sharing it with a minor is permissible.

I might also recommend getting an Authenticator, now they are back in stock. It's a very handy tool that has proven a smashing success. It doesn't by any means take the place of good security habits, but it will help protect your WoW account.

http://us.blizzard.com/store/browse.xml?f=c:6

I am not entirely sure our store will ship to your country, however - the European store may be another option for you. The authenticator sold there will attach and work fine with a US account. You can choose the region on the store in the upper right hand corner of the store webpage.

I hope this has helped a little and answered your questions, I do wish you all the very best.