Accounts have been locked in the past when there has been a trade (including an apparently normal purchase from auction) with an avatar who has used a stolen credit card to 'deposit', and who has then tried to launder the funds through item trading... It's important this is done quickly to ensure the least number of accounts are affected.
Don't get me wrong, I do understand that when real world money is involved there should be as many fails-safes as possible within the system. All it's needed is some sort of
proper communication, even some specific activities that could trigger locks. I could argue that this may actually cut on some issue before happening. I know, it may be in the EULA but clearer communication would only help.
... Think of it like how a Firewall blocks all packets that try to access a network without returning the correct electronic signature generated and sent to the requested source when you for example try to view this website, there simply is no way to determine if its safe otherwise thus it has to be blocked completely...
If you only use just one level of protection... that's correct. But if you use a packet analyser you could in fact detect if it's safe and let it go through with a minimal delay, It's like someone knocking on your door when you don't expect anyone; would you just simply not open the door? Or would you go further and see who it is and what do they want?
In any case, I do understand your point. I think that we (I) may just assume too much
.
If you had your account hacked or items stolen, you would want MA to lock down those avatars that had your items as soon as possible right?
If you bought something fairly that was sold by someone using a stolen credit card, you would want an investigation first right? Before MA just took the item back from you right?
You would also want your compensation back if MA did indeed find you bought such item and took it back, right?
These things take time and MA doesn't need to explain why right away...all that would lead to is constant replying back and forth saying "but I didn't do that!!!" and most importantly, it would tip off the wrong people if the person they banned was working with a person using stolen credit cards, or was an accomplice to the fraud they are investigating etc. They can't give a reason until they are done with the investigation!
Let them sort it out...trust me, MA doesn't want law-abiding avatars to not be playing either, but I don't see any other way to do it.
Some innocent people might be inconvenienced for a bit, but this is how it HAS to be done, and I am glad it works like this.
All very good points; they go hand-in-hand with current RL issues where the debate is if they should arrest people before committing a crime without enough proof (I do NOT compare the compare the two in terms of impact!).
I'll even give you an example: some time ago I was moving into a new house. Of course I needed new stuff
, so I made a few big-ish purchases on my credit card. I was in store to buy some furniture when my CC was declined. WTH? I knew I wasn't over the limit 100%, so I called the CC company from the store. They've said it's for my own protection as it is outside my regular purchasing patterns. That's fine with me obviously... but couldn't they handle it a different way? So... I told them straight out I will cancel this CC as we speak unless they do something about it, at which point they asked: like what? You want me to think for you? Fine. I ask them if they had my cell on file.... and they did; I then requested the to call me first and if I don't answer, then block the Credit card. No issue ever since (it's been 5 years or so).
I guess it all comes down to which side you're on: better safe then sorry at all costs or innocent until proven guilty. Also, this is for sure a very difficult matter to handle properly; the question is are they taking the easy road (just ban people until we figure this out, they're not going to die if they don't play for a few days) or is there a more complex road (and less profit because of extra expenses) that will lead to a better experience for the users?
