Xbox implemented a wave of account bans for purchasing game codes, but some of them were unblocked

In the past few days, reports have begun to appear on social networks that users’ Xbox accounts have suddenly been completely blocked and cannot be restored. Players confirmed that they were blocked after purchasing codes with game keys on third-party websites. This situation mainly affects Japanese Xbox users, and a large number of game codes have been stolen.

Xbox Chief Technology Officer Scott Van Vliet on his social media commented Condition. He said that blocking issues did arise, but Microsoft responded and reinstated accounts of honest players.

Scott VanVliet

Chief Technology Officer, Xbox

Over the weekend, XBOX Support took action in accordance with our XBOX Community Standards against a number of accounts that redeemed fraudulently obtained game codes. These codes were purchased through resale channels and some honest players purchased and redeemed them without their knowledge. Some of these players contacted Xbox Support to complain, and after investigation, we reinstated accounts that we believe belong to genuine players who were unintentionally targeted by these measures.

We take fraud on XBOX seriously and will continue to monitor and combat this type of activity closely, while being careful not to ban honest players who inadvertently purchase counterfeit codes. The best way to protect yourself is to purchase XBOX products, games and codes from authorized retailers.

As always, thanks for playing with us!

However, Scott VanVleet did not specify the total number of players who were banned and eventually lifted.