Multiple Switch owners have been reporting a modus previously seen in mobile games and MMOs that can get your Switch systems permanently banned. These "deals" were often seen in Facebook buy & sell groups but they are now making their way to other platforms like Shopee.
We won't name-drop anyone but we will try our best to provide all the information we know so far.
The modus starts when the alleged sellers entice would-be customers with "too good to be true" deals. For example, they might offer DLC for 3 games or 3 actual games that are worth $60 (around P3,225) in total and sell it to you for P2,000 instead, saving you at least P1,225.
They will then ask for your Nintendo Account details or provide you with one if you have yet to create an account. Remember, any person or service who asks for your personal account information is a major red flag in today's digital age.
The interesting part is that these transactions do push through so customers give them positive reviews and ratings. This will consequently boost buyer confidence giving them more business opportunities in the long run.
Now if the alleged sellers were in fact doing something sketchy, they could have either used a stolen credit card or requested for chargebacks (refunds) from Nintendo. They are considered as fraudulent transactions and usually result to a permanent console ban to prevent further abuse. Nintendo has been doing this since the 3DS era up to the present day with their recent mobile games like Fire Emblem Heroes. The most common Error Code associated with permanently banned Switch consoles is Error Code: 2124-4007.
If the inevitable does happen, the next best thing to do is to call Nintendo directly (1-877-803-3676) via Skype to try and sort the problem out. Be sure to avoid stating that you're from the Philippines unless asked as some agents might use this to bring up the "We're sorry, but you're out of our supported territory" card.
You are always free to find ways to save money but is the method worth the risk of a console ban? If you want guaranteed transactions, always use your own accounts (credit card, debit card, PayMaya, etc). Ironically, this can also happen if you ask a friend for their card and they dispute the transaction later on because they can't remember doing it themselves.
Buy eShop Prepaid cards from trusted retailers like Game One PH / i.TECH, DataBlitz, Toys R Us, Toy Kingdom, etc.
If you wish to save money, trusted sellers like John A. from Kaizen Gaming (not a sponsor) are selling eShop codes for a slightly cheaper price compared to retailers. Another option is to look for second-hand physical copies from buy and sell groups like the Pinoy Nintendo Marketplace and Nintendo Buy & Sell PH groups.
Thanks to Ivan F. from the NINTENDO Philippines group for the heads-up.
Original background image from: South Conversations
