Article Lead Image

Gamers report unauthorized game purchases on their Origin accounts

Users are reporting security problems on another gaming network.

 

Dennis Scimeca

Internet Culture

Posted on Dec 31, 2014   Updated on May 29, 2021, 9:06 pm CDT

Gamers are wondering if a recent data breach could be behind fraudulent game purchases popping up on Origin. 

Origin is the digital game distribution network run by mega-publisher Electronic Arts. Origin users are reporting on Reddit and EA’s Answer HQ help site that fraudulent game purchases are showing up on their accounts. FIFA 15 seems to be a usual suspect in these reports.

The problem coincides with the release on Saturday of 13,000 sets of usernames and passwords, as well as credit card information. The data breach included keys to the EA games The Sims 3 and Dragon Age: Origins, both of which are distributed on Origin. 

Electronic Arts told PC Gamer, however, that no sign has been found to suggest Origin’s account database has been compromised.

Some Origin users are reporting that fraudulent charges are being refunded following a call to EA customer support, and that their accounts are being locked shortly thereafter. The Daily Dot asked EA to verify these reports, and did not hear back as of publication time.

In the meantime, regularly changing your password is a good standard practice. You can also to take advantage of Origin’s two-factor authentication system.

Screenshot via Electronic Arts | Remix by Dennis Scimeca

Share this article
*First Published: Dec 31, 2014, 2:53 pm CST