Activision Bans 10k for “hacking” with no proof. Ricochet is broken and they don’t know how to fix it.
Connection Error on a call of duty game
Alex Joby

Discovery


Instead of the usual welcome screen, an opaque and confusing message greeted me: "Network Connection Not Found. Unknown User." The confusion that ensued was overwhelming. How could this be? My internet was working fine, and my credentials had always been the same. It dawned on me that the issue wasn't a technical glitch but a much graver situation—I had been banned. Yet, the game itself offered no direct acknowledgment of this fact; I had to piece together the clues on my own. The very idea of me engaging in hacking was ludicrous. I had always played the game with integrity, valuing fair play and sportsmanship above all.

Determined to shed light on this misunderstanding, I reached out to Activision Support, clinging to the hope that a conversation would clear my name. However, what followed was a descent into a Kafkaesque void of automated responses and cold dismissals. Each attempt to engage with a human being, to plead my case, was thwarted by the system's indifference. "F you," it seemed to echo with every denied request for support, a stark, unspoken message conveyed through its refusal to connect me with a real person.

This ordeal transcended the mere inability to access a game; it served as a chilling reminder of the digital age's impersonality.

Proof and Support


Armed with concrete evidence of my innocence, I set out to address the unjust ban on my account. Activision had provided me with game data that clearly showed my Xbox was the only device that had ever accessed my account. Furthermore, I had my unmodded Xbox as undeniable proof that no cheating tools or software had ever been used. This evidence seemed straightforward and compelling, indicating that my gameplay was legitimate and that the ban was a mistake.

Navigating the support system was impossible. Activision has purposely designed a support system that offers zero real support.

Where we are currently at


Despite the formidable challenges, my quest for justice remains undeterred. I have escalated the matter by filing complaints with several consumer protection agencies.

During this ordeal, I am compiling a guide aimed at empowering others who face the daunting task of seeking support and resolution from Activision.

This initiative was born from a belief that the gaming community deserves better. Companies like Activision, built on the passion and loyalty of gamers, must not lose sight of the importance of fair and responsive support systems. By sharing our stories and resources, we can advocate for change.

Guide to help you along your journey

Call of Duty Prove your innocent

  1. Determine You Have Been Banned

    Since they don't tell you. You've been banned You'll get an error message that says "connection refused by user" If you go into offline mode. Go into Settings / Account & Network You will see a pop-up in the right corner letting you know you've been banned Connection Error on a call of duty game

  2. Appeal the Ban

    You'll need to appeal the ban at https://support.activision.com/ban-appeal but be weary once you submit the ban and they auto-deny it because they will you can no longer appeal the ban again and thus cut off your only access to support. I would suggest gathering some information before you send them an appeal ban request saying "Why did I get banned??!??" either way it doesn't matter. Activision is going to auto-deny it anyway. No human eyes look at the requests
    Activivision Ban Appeal Screen Shot

  3. WTF

    WTF I paid money for this bullshit. burning banknotes

  4. Acquire Your Data From Activision

    Go ahead and request your data from https://support.activision.com/privacyrequest This will be useful in a lawsuit, proving no one else accessed your account, or proving someone else accessed your account. Anyway, Let's use their data against them.Copy of your data from Activision

  5. Start the Account Recovery Process

    You can try this request https://support.activision.com/account-recovery Some people on the internet claim they did this and the accounts were unbanned after being recovered, but the support does not give an ETA on this process
    Activision Account Recovery Screen Shot

  6. File a Complaint

    Until a class action lawsuit is formed, I believe the best action is to file a complaint with
    California Department of Justice
    Office of the Attorney General
    Public Inquiry Unit
    P.O. Box 944255
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
     
    Phone Toll Free (CA Only): (800) 952-5225
    Phone: (916) 210-6276 or (916) 445-9555
    TTY/TDD English: (800) 735-2929
    TTY/TDD Spanish: (800) 855-3000
    Fax: (916) 323-5341
    Website: www.oag.ca.gov
    Please use the following link to file a complaint:
    www.oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company

    Here is Activision's address you'll need it
    3100 Ocean Park Blvd,
    Santa Monica, CA, 90405

    Phone Number
    (310) 255-2000 x2277

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