#0 - Jan. 5, 2007, 5:39 p.m.
The letter is legitimate, and it's a reminder to inactive or trial account players who may have been looking to return to Azeroth with the Burning Crusade, that doing so in advance of the launch would offer more time to download and install patches, and any tech support or billing queries could be addressed prior to launch.
We're also looking into reports that subscribers who haven't cancelled their accounts are also getting the email. If this applies to you, please be aware that email addresses tied to trial accounts and multiple accounts where one account is inactive are also included in the mailing list.
For players for whom these parameters do not apply, we apologize for the confusion, and we are actively investigating the source of this incorrect distribution.
For verification, below is the header text of the email:
While you've been away, something monumental has been happening in the World of Warcraft. Beyond the Dark Portal, the sinister agents of the Burning Legion have been waging their demonic crusade to consume the magic of the universe and lay waste to all in their path. On January 16th, their Burning Crusade will come to Azeroth.
Blizzard Entertainment proudly invites you to return to the World of Warcraft on January 16th and journey beyond the Dark Portal, where an infinity of new experiences await you. Given the high volume of returning subscribers we expect when The Burning Crusade expansion goes live, if you are planning a return to Azeroth, we recommend reactivating your account as soon as possible in order to avoid the expected rush of launch-day activation.