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Five hidden signs your gaming account is hacked without you knowing it

Published on August 30, 2025

Gamers have been warned to look out for these signs Five hidden signs your gaming account has been hacked 1. Unexpected changes to your inventory or items One of the most subtle signs of account compromise involves small changes to your gaming inventory. Hackers often test account access by moving items around, deleting less valuable objects, or making minor modifications that might go unnoticed. Hwang said: “Players typically focus on their most prized possessions, but hackers know this. They'll often start by taking or moving smaller items to test whether the account owner is actively monitoring their inventory.” Check for missing crafting materials, altered item arrangements, or unfamiliar items that weren't there before. Even if nothing valuable seems missing, these changes could indicate someone else has accessed your account. 2. Mysterious friend list modifications Hackers frequently add themselves or their associates to victim friend lists, allowing them to monitor gaming habits and gather intelligence for future attacks. They may also remove existing friends to cover their tracks or create space for their own contacts. Review your friend list regularly for unfamiliar usernames, especially those with generic names or suspicious profiles. Pay attention to recently added friends you don't remember accepting, as this could be your first clue that someone else is controlling your account. 3. Altered account settings or preferences Small changes to account settings often go unnoticed but can be telltale signs of unauthorised access. This includes modified privacy settings, changed notification preferences, or altered security questions that you didn't update yourself. “Hackers will often adjust settings to make their activities less detectable,” said Hwang. “They might turn off login notifications or change privacy settings to hide their presence from other players.” Read Next