Comments on: Cybercrime: Will WoW Become A New Stage For Money Laundering?

By: Magnus

Magnus — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:32:43 +0000

In my early days at EA/Origin I had discussions with some very dubious folks at the nations top security groups(think 3 letter acronyms) around the potential for terrorists to actually use MMOs as a means of communications. At the time the CIA had a program called Eschelon which basically monitors every digital and analog communication channel world wide. The program basically was an uber filter that looked for key phrases, etc. there was lots of speculation around the program at the time but its pretty common knowledge now. Of course these guys could not confirm or deny anything including the existence of cheese but anyway its pretty clear that the scope of large scale MMO and the anonomity they provide would indeed be a perfect haven for this type of criminal activity. Its really easy to conver gold and items into cash. I have banned thousands of folks for it over my years in this space.

By: Ron Whitaker

Ron Whitaker — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:16:18 +0000

@max: No misread. I’m simply saying that unlike SL, WoW provides no ready means for the user to withdraw from their in-game accounts. SL users can actually request their Linden Dollars be transferred to US dollars and sent to their bank.

To pull money from WoW in the same way requires selling virtual items outside the game, which will get you a visit from the banhammer. It wouldn’t be a very efficient or foolproof way to launder money.

By: weclock

weclock — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:15:16 +0000

What are you talking about? I’m already laundering my money with WoW brand detergent…

By: Wyatt

Wyatt — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:56:28 +0000

Woah, someone missed the EVE Intergalactic Bank ENTIRELY XD

By: Max

Max — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:52:18 +0000

“considering that all the money in WoW is virtual”

I think you misread this.

By: Max

Max — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:51:07 +0000

Hey thanks for giving us such great ideas!

By: Ron Whitaker

Ron Whitaker — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:58:48 +0000

I can see how such activities could take place in Second Life, where money can actually be withdrawn, but considering that all the money in WoW is virtual, I doubt this type of thing could ever catch on in that game.

Of course, they could try the ’selling gold for real money’ trick, but that’s a good way to get your account banned.