Guide [Issue 7] Hacking and Scam Prevention

[SakuraVisions 120]

Have you ever heard of or known someone that lost their account in the game due to hacking, phishing or scam? Over thousands of accounts have been hacked and it is very important to know how to keep your account safe from all forms of malicious intent and sabotage. Your account is your property, and it must be taken proper care of. The road to account recovery can be very long and convoluted, and in some cases may even be impossible. Even with return through help, hackers can ruin your account and your identity.

Scam

The vast majority of us have seen chat messages telling dream tales of Tanki euphoria, exclusive invites to test servers and promises of magical crystal providers. The catch with all of these issues is that THEY ARE FAKE. If you see someone post such a message, you should not only ignore it, but also block them in the chat, take a picture and report to a moderator or admin as soon as possible. An easy way to tell if a message is a scam is to look for a link in a chat message. If the message contains a link and a promise of crystals or other advantage in the game, it is a lie and scam. Only links that are from tankionline.com, and added shortcuts to pages like the forum and other pages created using text such as #Forum, are one hundred percent completely safe. Make sure to never trust a stranger. Just like any other online game, some people just want to ruin it for others.

Lately in the game, especially with such a big update as the rebalance, there has been a massive spree of scam and hacking. People have made links to pretty much everything a tankman could want that are fake; be it test server codes, free crystals and staff positions in the game. Also, just because a link looks safe doesn’t mean it definitely is. Some people can make something look like tankionline.com but do something like switch the “l” and the “i” in the “online” part of the word. Any emails you receive about the game should be cross examined to make sure they are legitimate.

Hacking

There are more ways for people to gain access to your account than having you provide account information through link. Some may simply be good at guessing passwords. In extreme scenarios, people can use machines that rapidly input generated passwords so fast it can solve a short password in a few minutes! Thankfully, Tanki has a system implemented that if you fail the password a certain amount of times it requires a verification code for confirmation that it is actually a human trying to log in. This foils most of the extreme attempts. However, some hackers simply guess common passwords. It’s an awful idea to use a password like “password” or “123456”. Make your password complicated enough that nobody that you could have any clue about the makeup of it. A combination of numbers and letters makes it stronger and avoid putting part of your username in your password. For example, I wouldn’t make my password “ShadowVisions17”. It is of the upmost importance to establish a secure account for enjoyable and optimal gameplay and overall fun in Tanki.

Consequences

The consequences of scam and hacking are very severe, especially for those of the victim. If hacked, it might be possible for the hacker to change your password through your email and not allow you into your account. If you are fortunate enough to not be locked out of your account and you suspect a hacker is at hand, change your password immediately. If a hacker seizes control of your tank, they can spend all of your crystals, get your account banned or blocked, and arguably the worst, create a permanent scar on your identity and the perception of how others look at you. For the hacker, if they are caught their accounts may be blocked. If you are caught scamming in the server chat it is an automatic month ban, and in some extreme cases, a forever ban. That means no chatting on Tanki, ever again.

Prevention

To recap, the best way to protect your account is to be aware of scam mechanics and to have a strong password. Don’t follow any links that look suspicious or that scammers give you, and definitely be sure to report any such activity to the closest moderator or administrator. You can find a complete staff list including the mod and admins in the rules section of the Tanki Online forum. These steps are key to overall success in Tanki, the fight against hackers cannot be lost. Be aware and responsible!

Recovery

The road to account recovery can be difficult, but luckily there are instructions in case your account becomes hacked. It is necessary to send an email to help@tankionline.com describing your situation and what happened. For the complete list of what to do you can look at http://en.tankiforum.com/index.php?showtopic=14427. It may take a few days or weeks, or even months for them to reply. When they do, it is important to follow their instructions. If they can’t help you, know that they did all they could, and that the fault lies on you. It is good to keep track of purchase records in case that information is needed.

Conclusion

Overall, account hacking and scam are two huge issues that inhibit progress in the Tanki community, and these problems are constantly growing bigger as the population grows. It is crucial to take the proper steps to secure your account and stay aware enough to avoid scams. Maybe your actions could even save a fellow player from being scammed or hacked in the future!

A final note - being hacked is serious and no fun. Take it from me, I have personal experience. Stay safe, play fair and I’ll see you in the battle!

Thanks for reading,
ShadowVisions

Edited July 31, 2017 by Hexed
Newspaper

[RockandRide 12]

Thanks Visi :D

[WhiteKnight170 2]

I did the image :D

[markoskerass2 1]

Thx Visi :DD

[AnuBoi 19]

OMG +1 this article. So many people have fallen victim to hackers/filchers. Tanki is unfortunately plagued with them :(

[Heibrink 1]

I am scammed too, with a link to the tankiforum and i even didn't fill my login name or password anywhere?!? I was automatically logged in to the forum so that way they took my pass and spend my 22k crystals on exp and i was saving up for new year discount :(

Lost everything i worked really hard for!

 

:'(

[SuperNick95 5,312]

Exactly what I wanted to see ^_^

[MizARee 30]

Great job. Well done visi

[r_Arya7770 1]

Hey, Shadow!

 

Good job with the article :) It's informative and helpful, easy to find and easy to understand.

 

Suggestion: Inform people of stuff that isn't scam that they can look for (i.e. contests and radio shows)... Otherwise they'll think everything that offers crystals is scam. xD

[WhiteKnight170 2]

(i.e. radio shows)... Otherwise they'll think everything that offers crystals is scam. xD

 

BK did try to scam me for something to do with the livestream, but I think we understand what you mean :)

[magnaboy2 656]

My acc "magnaboy" was also hacked by somebody,still don't know who.But by help@tankionline.com I have recovered. :D

[r_kilaz0 10]

you should give a message to all aspiring hackers: stop

[r_Battleships0 0]

Good job visi this info should really help.

[Hunter952 0]

Thanks for that visi.

I've got to admit, that picture at the top looks awesome.

[douglas260395 0]

I have to give thanks for help@tankionline.com as I could get my stolen account for more than a month ago :)

[marshalwillbe 1]

Thank you please i was captain I WANT GET MY ACC BACK I WILL KICK HIS ASS :angry:

[animal-king 4]

You have to have a strong password and One you will remeber

[animal-king 4]

Great article Shadow

[Shaun.1 2]

I have to give thanks for help@tankionline.com as I could get my stolen account for more than a month ago :)

I have to give thanks for help@tankionline.com as I could get my stolen account for more than a month ago :)

Did u really get ur account back?

[sissi99 3]

hi . my account eetuala was stolen . if someone found it or know who stole it, please send email to eetuala@gmail.com

[aomar12 0]

i want to go batlle how

[septian1234567890 0]

Why always the same error :excl:

[TheKillerTanki 3]

My acc "magnaboy" was also hacked by somebody,still don't know who.But by help@tankionline.com I have recovered. :D

yeahh my 2 but this was My acc what was hacked

Edited January 10, 2013 by TheKillerTanki

[nitroman2 1]

I agree with u and also make more videos but be creative next time.

[jhon4545 2]

i hate hackers