Sega has warned customers against buying currency for its games with in-app purchases from third-party sites after it said “several individuals” had been arrested and convicted of computer fraud.
In a post on its website, Sega stated (translated) that the offenders were arrested in August 2024 and “convicted of computer fraud for allegedly stealing in-game currency” from its games.
The gaming giant didn’t specify which of its games had been affected, only that currency had been “stolen” from the servers of its “game apps” and sold on to customers “under the guise of a ‘billing agency’ service.”
Sega stated that in addition to the individuals directly involved in the fraudulent activity being pursued, the “users who obtained the in-game currency through such fraudulent activities were arrested, indicted, and convicted for their involvement.”
Sega provided an image (translated) explaining how the process operates.
Sega warns against third-party purchases
“We ask that you never use the following services [third party resellers] to avoid becoming involved in or contributing to such crimes,” the notice continued, adding “We also ask that you refrain from giving your game ID or password to others, and refrain from purchasing in-game currency or in-game items from services that require you to transfer your account.”
Several of Sega’s iconic franchises, including Sonic The Hedgehog, Crazy Taxi, Streets of Rage, and Virtua Tennis, have mobile spinoffs available on iOS and Android devices, many of which feature in-app purchases. It’s unclear in this instance if the illicit activity related solely to mobile games or if Sega-published titles on consoles and PC were affected, too.
“With your cooperation and support, we will continue to work hard to create products and services that you can use with confidence, so we sincerely ask for your continued understanding and cooperation,” the statement concluded.
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