THE BUZZ: Xbox Live is apparently under attack by a number of thieves who are hacking user accounts in order to purchase FIFA 12 Ultimate Team items. Users have been reporting that their accounts have been accessed without permission and hundreds of dollars worth of FIFA 11 and FIFA 12 Ultimate Team content has been purchased without their knowledge. Microsoft contends that the service has not been compromised, but they are dealing with the complaints:

“We do not have any evidence the Xbox LIVE service has been compromised. We take the security of our service seriously and work on an ongoing basis to improve it against evolving threats. However, a limited number of members have contacted us regarding unauthorized access to their accounts by outside individuals. We are working with our impacted members directly to resolve any unauthorized changes to their accounts. As always, we highly recommend our members follow the Xbox LIVE Account Security guidance provided at www.xbox.com/security to protect your account.”

EGM’s TAKE: This appears to be the result of a phishing scam more than a general attack on Xbox Live, with the crooks gaining emails and passwords to access the accounts of those impacted.

Has your account been compromised? Share your story in our comments section.