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  • Shadowsong
  • 0. Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   08/07/2008 06:47:08 PDT
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(This guide was last updated on 30-08-08!)

Intro:

    Welcome,

    Recently there has been an increase about people asking whether a certain email (address) is from Blizzard or not. With this guide I hope to reduce those questions a little.

    Feel free to ask questions, but first read all I wrote. Chances are I already discussed the thing you are going to ask about.

    Yours sincerely,
    Schwick (Shadowsong-EU)
    schwickster@gmail.com
    MVP (http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=87109062&sid=1)

    Please note, I’m not an Blizzard employee nor related
Known email/website addresses:

    Blizzard emails will ALWAYS come from <EMAIL>@blizzard.com! Here you can find a list of known email addresses that are valid:
  • WoWAccountReviewEU@blizzard.com (used for EU account reviews)
  • WoWAccountReview@blizzard.com (used for USA account reviews)
  • Newsletter@email.blizzard.com (used by Blizzard insider)
  • Newsletters@enews.blizzard.com (used by Blizzard insider)
    (Do note there are more email addresses then these)

    So for example email addresses like
  • blizzard@gmail.com
  • WoWaccountreview@msn.com
  • wow_account_review@hotmail.fr
  • BlizzardVerification@gmail.com
  • worldofwarcraftaccountrevieweu@gmail.com
    ARE NOT valid!

    A list of valid WoW-Blizzard website are:
  • http://www.wow-europe.com
  • http://www.worldofwarcraft.com
  • http://www.worldofwarcraft.co.kr
  • http://www.wowtaiwan.com.tw/
  • http://www.wowchina.com/
  • http://www.blizzard.com / www.blizzard.co.uk / .de / .fr / etc
  • http://www.wowarmory.com
  • http://www.diablo3.com
  • http://www.starcraft2.com
  • http://www.battle.net / eu.battle.net / us.battle.net
What will Blizzard never ask in emails:

    There are a couple of things that will instantly pop up the question if a mail is from Blizzard or not. Most of the times fake emails will ask for your password; Blizzard will NEVER asks for these things! DO NOT reply to these kind of emails!

    Blizzard however will sometimes ask for things like:
  • Your account details
  • Other Character details
    Etc..

    Unless the email you received is a direct response to an email you have sent, never reply to such emails. Use the web-form found here: http://www.wow-europe.com/support/securitywebform/securitywebform.html?lan=en

    You can also use the above mentioned web-form to contact Blizzard in case you are unsure about the authenticity of an email from Blizzard.
Spoofing:

    Sometimes an email address may look like it comes from Blizzard while it's not. For example most common fake emails use noreply@blizzard.com. While this email address is used by Blizzard, it's not always valid. This is called spoofing.

    To make sure it is really the email address it claims it is, try checking the header-data. The header-data can be seen by checking the advance details of the email (also sometimes called “Original email”).

    In the header-data there should be “Return-Path”. A spoof will return another email address then the original email said it did. For example the email says noreply@blizzard.com, but the header-data says hax0r@IstealaccountKK.no.
SPF:

    SPF, or Sender Policy Framework, checks to see if the email is indeed from Blizzard. The Received-SPF in the email details should read “Pass”. The SPF can be seen by checking the advance details of the email (also sometimes called “Original email”)

    For more information regarding SPF, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sender_Policy_Framework
Check the links:

    The mail sometimes contains links. BEWARE that you are sure it’s a valid link. For example:
  • WoWaccountReviewEU@blizzard.com (while it links to worldofwarcraftaccountrevieweu@gmail.com)
  • https://www.wow-europe.com/account/ (while it links to www.imstealingyourpassword.com)

    Always double check the link you are going to click! Also note the difference between a “0” (zero) and “o” (for example w0w-europe.com) or a “1” (one) and “l” (for example 1inks.wow-europe.com). Also as of lately scammers use www.vvovv-europe.com & www.vvorldofvvarcraft.com (two "V"'s next beside each other instead of a "W").

    This is also known as “Phishing”. For more details read this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing

    To make sure a login-link is valid; Blizzard always used a secure connection. You can recognize this by the link provided is “Https://”. Both Firefox and Internet Explorer display these website locations with a lock-icon.

    To make sure the website itself is valid; Blizzard's website gets verified by “Thawte Consulting CC”. You can see upon clicking the link. Here's an example: http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/8048/verifiedfw5.jpg
Technical information about the email addresses:

    If you are still not sure about the email address you can check some technical information.

    Blizzard US
    DNS: ob3.blizzard.com
    IP: 216.148.0.68

    Blizzard EU
    DNS: eu-smtp02.blizzard.com
    IP: 80.239.172.105
    Or
    DNS: eu-smtp01.blizzard.com
    IP: 80.239.174.216

    Blizzard insider
    DNS: info.cme.vugames.net
    IP: 12.129.240.41
    Or
    DNS: email.blizzard.com
    IP: 12.129.200.219
An example:

    OK here’s an example of an email scam.
    http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/741/fakewlkuj9.jpg
    http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5829/fakewlk2fb6.jpg

    As you can see in the images this a beta invite for WLK (or so it seems). But do note the following things:
  • Typo in the email: Worlf of Warcraft
  • The URL is a spoof (check the link in the email and note the link left under)
  • The header data says it’s from wotlkBETA@blizzard.com but the received from says another address
  • The received SPF says it’s not permitted nor denied. A real Blizzard email shows up as accepted.

    So remember, keep your eyes out for such things!

    Here’s a fun test to test your knowledge: http://www.sonicwall.com/phishing/index.html
FAQ:

    Q1: Blizzard has sent me an email with a link linking to a survey but it isn't a blizzard site. Is this a real Blizzard email?
    A1: Yes, sometimes Blizzard sends surveys that aren't on the Blizzard website. The website used is http://www.otxresearch.com/. Blizzard usually announces when these surveys start. As always, make sure to think twice before clicking links!

    Q2: How can I protect myself against Phishing?
    A2: First off, always double check a link. Simply do this by hovering over it and check what the footer displays. If you also use Firefox or Internet Explorer 7 (or higher) you have a build-in phishing checker. The browser will notify you then if the website is fake.
My recommendation:

    I would say start using Gmail. So far it blocks all fake emails and lets real emails pass. Here's an example of a fake WLK beta invite:http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7725/fakemailcz0.jpg

    Along side that, it has all the tools to fight spoofers and hackers and such.
    https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount
I’m still not sure about this email:

    You can always ask questions here or use the web-form found here: http://www.wow-europe.com/support/securitywebform/securitywebform.html?lan=en

    Also here’s a blue-post you could read: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=286852043&sid=1

    Always keep your PC/Mac protected with the latest updates and security programs. More a guide about that, read this: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=273198555&sid=1


<Edited to add more valid Blizzard web sites. -Xem>

[ Post edited by Xemafir ]


Service with a smile :-)
"Info about" topics are being updated ATM.
I'm back (for now): http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4673108548&sid=1
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  • Shadowsong
  • 1. Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   08/07/2008 06:48:09 PDT
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Reserved for spill-overs!

Service with a smile :-)
"Info about" topics are being updated ATM.
I'm back (for now): http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4673108548&sid=1
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  • 3. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   08/07/2008 06:50:46 PDT
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Q u o t e:
[If you are still not sure about the email address you can check some technical information.

Blizzard US
DNS: ob3.blizzard.com
IP: 216.148.0.68

Blizzard EU
DNS: eu-smtp02.blizzard.com
IP: 80.239.172.105
Or
DNS: eu-smtp01.blizzard.com
IP: 80.239.174.216

Blizzard insider
DNS: info.cme.vugames.net
IP: 12.129.240.41
Or
DNS: email.blizzard.com
IP: 12.129.200.219




You should explain how to check this, many players simply don't how how to dig this deep...

Edit: Btw, we can't see this thread on the forum...
Edit2: Ah, there it is :(

[ Post edited by Jackhammer ]


"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. And I'm all out of bubblegum."
Hapiness is a warm musket...
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  • Shadowsong
  • 4. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   08/07/2008 09:18:29 PDT
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Q u o t e:


You should explain how to check this, many players simply don't how how to dig this deep...

Edit: Btw, we can't see this thread on the forum...
Edit2: Ah, there it is :(


Something for the next update :-)

Service with a smile :-)
"Info about" topics are being updated ATM.
I'm back (for now): http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4673108548&sid=1
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  • 5. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   08/07/2008 12:53:40 PDT
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kk

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
-Albert Einstein
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  • 6. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   09/07/2008 08:14:18 PDT
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This sticky can probably be locked, or merged with : http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=2111545640&sid=1

No need to keep open any more than we need to TBH.
It's getting sort of crowded up top.

http://rrvs.blogspot.com : Why pay for something, if you can get it free?
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  • Shadowsong
  • 7. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   09/07/2008 09:02:43 PDT
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Q u o t e:
This sticky can probably be locked, or merged with : http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=2111545640&sid=1

No need to keep open any more than we need to TBH.
It's getting sort of crowded up top.


Up to the blues. Granted, this topic was here before the blue topic (this is a repost btw, and not a "new topic").

Service with a smile :-)
"Info about" topics are being updated ATM.
I'm back (for now): http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4673108548&sid=1
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  • 8. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   17/07/2008 05:16:30 PDT
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Q u o t e:


Up to the blues. Granted, this topic was here before the blue topic (this is a repost btw, and not a "new topic").


kk

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
-Albert Einstein
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  • 9. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   26/07/2008 00:40:35 PDT
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Would be nice of them *just* to reply to me!

Been waiting since WWI now.

friedfly.com/rest/
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  • Shadowsong
  • 10. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   30/07/2008 10:47:21 PDT
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Update posted with SPF details, how to the check the website and some small details added.

Enjoy and browse safe!

Service with a smile :-)
Expansion info: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4009821038&sid=1
Warcraft Beta Weekly 3: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=5215441553&sid=1
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  • Shadowsong
  • 12. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   30/07/2008 13:44:20 PDT
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Q u o t e:
betaSignup@blizzard.com

Is this a blizzard email?


Possible, hard to tell from just that :-)

Service with a smile :-)
Expansion info: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4009821038&sid=1
Warcraft Beta Weekly 3: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=5215441553&sid=1
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  • Shadowsong
  • 14. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   03/08/2008 06:28:40 PDT
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It's safe.

Service with a smile :-)
Expansion info: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4009821038&sid=1
Warcraft Beta Weekly 4: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=5275907633&sid=1
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  • Tarren Mill
  • 15. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   05/08/2008 05:56:10 PDT
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Was handy for me, you can NEVER be too paranoid, especially with Beta Invites being sent out at the moment.

I was lucky to make the opt in, but I wasn't gonna click any links in my email so had to come to forums to check :)

Dey see me trolling.
Dey hatin.
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  • The Maelstrom
  • 16. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   06/08/2008 09:15:14 PDT
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Hey there i wonder if this is real:

Wrath of the Lich King Beta‏
Från: Blizzard Entertainment (noreply@blizzard.com)
Det här meddelandet kan vara skadligt. Mer information
Skickat: den 1 augusti 2008 00:56:05


Some of the text is on swedish but it only says when it was send and from. And that the Message can be dangerous. (it was in my trash mail some reason)
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  • Shadowsong
  • 17. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   07/08/2008 19:10:09 PDT
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Fake. If gmail warns you and it's in your trash/spam list then it's fake.

Service with a smile :-)
Expansion info: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=4009821038&sid=1
Northrend times 5: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=5275979211&sid=1
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  • 18. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   10/08/2008 12:46:11 PDT
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From: WoW Expansion Beta (WoWExpansionBeta@blizzard.com)
Sent: Sat 8/09/08 11:05 PM
To: *************************

You have been selected to participate in the beta test of World of Warcraft®: Wrath of the Lich King™. Welcome!

In the beta test you will get an opportunity to play the new Northrend continent, the Death Knight hero class, and character levels above 70. We look forward to your feedback on the overall experience, including quests, monsters, zones, aesthetics, and more. We would also appreciate reports on any bugs you may encounter. These can be logged using the /bug command explained below.

Getting started:

In order to participate in the beta test, you must upgrade an existing retail account which has been upgraded with The Burning Crusade®, allowing you to connect to the Wrath of the Lich King™ test realms. The World of Warcraft®: The Burning Crusade® game client that you use must be patched up to version 2.4.2 or later in order to install the beta test client.

Go to http://beta.wow-europe.com/expansion to download the installer, and copy character(s) to our test realms.

Please be prepared to enter the current retail World of Warcraft account name and password you use, and the appropriate beta code listed below to authenticate your eligibility to connect to the Wrath of the Lich King test realms. To participate in the beta tests, you must have a valid retail World of Warcraft account active and in good standing as of July 15, 2008.

Below is a beta code that will allow you to upgrade the Account you use to play World of Warcraft®: The Burning Crusade®. Each beta code can be used only once to upgrade an active retail World of Warcraft® account.


that's not all but... is it fake?
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  • 19. Re: Guide: How to spot real Blizzard emails   11/08/2008 14:23:16 PDT
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I get exactly same one.
odesílatel WoW Expansion Beta <WoWExpansionBeta@blizzard.com> (from)
komu xxxxxx@gmail.com (to)
datum 10. srpen 2008 2:27 (date)
předmět Wrath of the Lich King Beta Invitation! (subject)
posíláno přes blizzard.com (mail over)

Itˇs fake?
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