Hello friends, I have a question.

bots on mal have massively inceeased since the server change. don't know if its the preferred status thing or what

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Originally Posted by savageink

bots on mal have massively inceeased since the server change. don't know if its the preferred status thing or what

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The data center split + world visit may have made a vulnerability they can exploit.

Or the more likely case: Shadowbringers is just a month away and they can dominate the expansion launch market boards so they have bots doing stuff en masse to do it.

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Originally Posted by File2ish

The data center split + world visit may have made a vulnerability they can exploit.

Or the more likely case: Shadowbringers is just a month away and they can dominate the expansion launch market boards so they have bots doing stuff en masse to do it.

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That's likely what the FC full of botany/mining bots are doing on Odin, it's sad to know they'll likely not be punished no matter how detailed a report I submit =/

I think one big firewall against bots is being able activate an account only after a credit card validation. No need to charge the card, just validate.

And, if or when the card goes to be invalid anytime (stolen, expired, etc), all and every account related to that card will be locked. Not banned, just locked. Maybe a legit user just forgot to update card after a renew...

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Originally Posted by LalaRu

I think one big firewall against bots is being able activate an account only after a credit card validation. No need to charge the card, just validate.

And, if or when the card goes to be invalid anytime (stolen, expired, etc), all and every account related to that card will be locked. Not banned, just locked. Maybe a legit user just forgot to update card after a renew...

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Could be an option. But how to deal with Steam Users then? I personally pay with Steam wallet. /thinks

I wouldnt worry about it. The bots dont level too high before they are banned. Often times you will see bots mining for crystals.

The way it works is.

1. Bots level and mine/gather crystals and other materials
2. Bots transfer those items to another bot who then sells the items on the marketboard.
3. Bot then transfers that money made from the marketboard to another bot, who then transfers the money to another bot, who then transfers the money to another bot.
4. A new bot is then created, level up to level 10 and then goes to limsa to promote x website to sell the gill.
5. SE bans the bot promoting the site and sometimes the gatherer.
6. Person creates new bots starting the process over.

The problem is it takes SE days, weeks, to track down the person with the money. And there are thousands of bots so its really hard to track them. Especially since most bots are created off the free trial.