BioWare warns of SWTOR beta scams

Star Wars: The Old Republic developer BioWare has warned of a number of cyber-bandits advertising paid access to a non-existent beta test for its forthcoming MMO

A post from community coordinator Allison Berryman on the game's official forum urged users to take caution, explaining that the only way to enter a beta test would be via an official invitation from the developer itself.

"It has come to our attention that there are multiple individuals and sites claiming to sell testing accounts, 'beta keys', or other offers of access to our Game Testing Program," read the full statement.

"All of these offers are false. BioWare is not issuing invites to Game Testing via any method other than those we outline here on SWTOR.com.

"We must caution you that these offers are often scams designed to steal your money, credit card information, or identity. While we understand that you are eager to participate in Game Testing, your security is extremely important, and attempting to participate in these offers could put you in very real danger.

"Furthermore, the sale of accounts with access to the Game Testing Program is strictly prohibited by the Game Testing Agreement. We closely monitor the activities of all accounts involved in the Game Testing Program, and are quick to notice accounts that change hands.

"In the event that an account in the Game Testing Program does change ownership, we immediately take action to the fullest extent possible, including permanently banning the account from the Service.

"You may also encounter e-mail scams that indicate you have been invited to the Game Testing Program. If you are invited to the real Game Testing Program, you will receive an e-mail with instructions from no-reply@bioware.swtor.com. Any other e-mail address claiming to offer an invitation is likely to be a scam."

Berryman called on anyone receiving a dubious invitation to forward details on to bwacommunitysupport@bioware.com.