Common Scams

Unfortunately some players make scamming part of the game. This is when they take advantage of other players, stealing gold or other items. Be careful to guard yourself against scammers. Not all of the players in Runescape are out to rip you off, just remember that just like in real life, some are. If you see a player scamming someone or have been taken by one you can report them. There is a Report Abuse button in the lower right of your screen. Make sure to use this feature responsibly, as not to waste the time of the Runescape staff by having them look into false matters. The staff of Runescape cannot be expected to keep track of what every player has. If you get scammed, you should not blame or ask Runescape to give back what you lost. Below is a list of some common scams to watch out for.

Websites that ask for your Runescape password

Some websites will ask for your Runescape password, claiming to boost your stats, give you a preview of new Runescape features, etc... Do not enter your password into these sites. They are not associated with Jagex, this is just another way to try to steal your Runescape account. It is a good idea to use one password for Runescape and use different passwords for other sites, including this one.

Emails

Sometimes a player may get an email that says it is from Jagex. Do not reply to the email, it is best to not even open it. Jagex never sends emails to players, they use the Message Centre on the Runescape site to contact you if the need be. Some of the emails may look 'official' since some scammers will go to great lengths to try to scam other players but they are not from the Jagex staff. These emails could contain a virus or key logger.

The trust test

A player asks you to join a clan and then they tell you that you need to prove that you trust them and the other members of the clan. They then ask you to give them a valuable item to prove that you trust them to give it back. Once you give the item to the other player they run away with it, usually taunting you as they go.

Upgrading armor and weapons

There is no such thing. Weapons and armour can not be upgraded.

Enchanting armor and weapons

There is no such thing. Only amulets can be enchanted.

Resmithing armor and weapons

There is no such thing. Once an item is smithed it can not be resmithed.

Adding gold or trim armor and weapons

This can not be done by players. You can only get these items by completing some Treasure Trails or by buying them.

Duplicating items

There is no such thing. Once you give the items to the player they take off with your stuff.

Another version of duplicating

A player will tell you to drop anything that you want duplicated then press alt + F4. Pressing this closes down your active window, in this case the game window, leaving all of your stuff to be picked up by the other player. By the time you log back in, the other player is long gone.

Bank vault key

Some people try to sell the bank vault key. There is no such thing.

Character sharing

A player will offer to help you to boost your stats, complete quests, or get expensive items such as runite armour. After telling you that they have lots of spare time and would just like to help others, they will ask for your password. Once they have it they will wipe out your inventory and bank account. Sometimes they even change your password so you can not get back into your account. Character sharing is also against the rules and could lead to being banned.

Switching items on a trade

Be careful when trading. Some players try to switch valuable item for less valuable items when trading. Always double check what you are getting before clicking on accept. This one is not that big of an issue since the new trade system has gone into effect. But it is still always a good idea to double check what you are giving and getting.

Anything the sounds too good to be true

Such as buying a runite long sword for two thousand gold.

Luring

Whether luring is a scam or not is debatable, either way it is something to watch out for. Luring can be done in a few different ways. One way is when another player asks you to meet them in the Wilderness to buy/sell items. Another way is done in towns near the Wilderness. If someone sends you a trade request and walks into the Wilderness when you accept the trade your character could follow them in so they can attack you.

Password scams

Some players may try to trick you into giving them your password. A common scam for this is a player saying that Runescape blocks your password when you say it. They may even try to show you that it works by putting a few stars (*) up in the chat box. This is a scam Runescape does not block your password. Never announce your password.

Account selling

Selling and buying accounts is against the rules and could lead to both you and the buyer/seller being banned. Another point to add to this is that the original owner of the account could use the recovery questions to get the account back later on and you will loose the time put into and items gained while you have the account.

(Return to top)

Return to Runescape General Guide