TruthScape.com  9  The Truth About RuneScape Item Scams       9  The Keys to Dealing with RuneScape Item Scams

Common Sense Tips to Avoid Most Item Scams Activities that Seem Like Scams or Illegal Behavior but Aren't

Falling victim to an item scam can be very upsetting; unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to correct the situation. All trades in RuneScape are final and cannot be reversed. Also, Jagex has a strict policy of not returning or refunding lost items or gold.

So what can you do? Not much, I'm afraid. If you are quick enough, you should try to report the scammer by clicking the “Report abuse” button at the bottom of the game screen, typing the name of the scammer, and then selecting “2: Item scamming” in the reporting window. You only have 60 seconds do to this, though, and if the scammer is using a confusing name, you many not be able to report at all.

Figure out how got you scammed, and make a mental note not to repeat that mistake in the future. Also review the scam descriptions here on TruthScape to learn more about scams to be avoided. If you get hit by a scam that is substantially different from the ones I cover here, please let me know.

Here's what you should not do:

• Don't Beat Yourself Up: Don't get mad at yourself. Stuff happens, so just learn from the experience. Getting scammed will make you angry, but in time it will pass.
  
  
• Don't Complain to Jagex Customer Service: They won't give you back your items, and they can't ban the scammer without proof (you must report within 60 seconds using the in-game reporting feature). They'll just send you an annoying form letter.
  
  
• Don't Post to the RuneScape Forums: Posting about scams is against the rules of the RuneScape forums, so your post will be hidden and the thread locked. Even if people do post replies, most will just be obnoxious taunts from childish jerks saying “it was your fault”, which will only make you feel worse.
  
  
• Don't Scam Someone Else In Return: I'm always unhappy when I read about people who get scammed and then decide to “pass on” his mistake by trying to pull the same scam someone else! If you don't like being cheated, is it fair to turn around and do the same thing to someone else? Don't let anger make you into a scammer.

Finally, take solace in knowing that you are not alone; being scammed happens to nearly all RuneScape players, even the most cautious ones. We are all human, and we all make mistakes. Life will go on, and whatever you lost you can get back again if it's important to you.

Common Sense Tips to Avoid Most Item Scams Activities that Seem Like Scams or Illegal Behavior but Aren't