By Saph
Even though most Neopets users are nice and friendly, there are some people out there that want your pets, items, NP, and account. To help you stay safe on Neopets, I have provided this overall coverage and tips guide.
There are many types of scams, such as claiming to be TNT, making fake login pages, "free NP/items" bribes, scams via email, avatar/flash game bribes, and refferal scams. TNT (the REAL TNT) also recommends to watch out for chain letters, and only trade items through the Island Trading Post.
PRETENDING TO BE TNT
TNT says that they will never contact you through AIM, MSN, or any other chat program. You can also tell if the real TNT is emailing you if the avatar attached to the message is the "TNT Asplode". This is an unreleased avatar� meaning that only TNT can use it.
If anyone contacts you claiming to be TNT then you must report them right away.
FAKE LOGIN PAGES
The login page URL is http://www.neopets.com/loginpage.phtml - so don't login if the URL isn't the same. Fake login pages are a very serious crime on Neopets. If you ever find a fake login page, tell TNT right away.
Hint: Most scammers try to hide their domain name behind .tk or .co.nr- so check for these at the end of the URL!
"FREE ITEM! FREE NP!"
If you ever see a post about a way to get free NP or items, then report the user. These scams direct you off Neopets to something called a Neopoint Generator or Item Generator. To get "the machine to work" you are asked to type in your username and password, or change your email.
DON'T DO IT!!!
Your account will be stolen and hacked!
EMAIL SCAMS
Some people email you telling you to change your email or Neopets password "to get a prize". What happens is that if you change your password and tell the person, they can get into your account and change the password on you, thus stealing your account.
There isn't much else to say about email scams, except to use common sense.
AVATAR/FLASH GAME
Also, some people ask for passwords so they can get into your account and either get you an avatar or get you a game trophy. If you let the scammer in, you will either lose your account or have it frozen for letting someone play games for you (that's cheating).
If you want to know how to get certain avatars, then go to any graphics site and they are sure to have a guide.
REFERRAL SCAMS
Sometimes scammers ask for people to create accounts using their referral links, and they bribe people by claiming that they will get a million NP or a rare item, but this is not true.
To stay safe, only use referral links if you know the person in real life. Otherwise, sign up at Neopets by using the normal link. You can also trust NeopetsGuide.
Here are a couple facts about things to watch out for.
CHAIN LETTERS
If you ever see a message saying that if you post x amount of times you'll get a codestone or rare paint brush, ignore it and report the user. TNT says that this will never happen, and such chain letters are SPAM.
Stay safe and do not post chain letters; you could get frozen!
TRADING OFF THE POST
Never trade off the Island Trading Post because if you don't, you may lose your NP or items.
If you ever catch someone scamming, go to the Wall of Shame and use the form to report the person or persons.
And, always, STAY SAFE!