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In an era where our entertainment lives are increasingly digital, a growing threat is leaving gamers vulnerable: the account takeover. For one dedicated player, known online as Squirrel Mort, this digital nightmare became a reality, resulting in the loss of access to an Xbox library painstakingly built over 15 years. His story is a stark warning for anyone with a digital game collection.
A Devastating Digital Heist
The incident began when Squirrel Mort found himself inexplicably locked out of his Microsoft account—the gateway to his entire Xbox ecosystem. After reaching out to customer support, he received the crushing news: a hacker had seized control. The nefarious individual had successfully changed the account's associated email address and other security details, effectively transferring ownership.
Microsoft’s policy in such cases is severe. If a hacker replaces the registered email, the original owner’s only recourse is often to create a brand new account. This process does not transfer previous purchases. For Squirrel Mort, this meant facing the potential loss of thousands of dollars in games, dating back to the Xbox 360 era—a library filled with memories and milestones.
"This is my entire gaming history," Squirrel Mort expressed in a now-viral social media post detailing the hack. His initial plea for help on X (formerly Twitter) can be seen here.
Why Are Gaming Accounts So Vulnerable?
The breach highlights a critical vulnerability. A Microsoft account isn't just for gaming; it’s a key to services like Outlook, OneDrive, and Office. A takeover can threaten precious documents, photos, and communications. Yet, for many, the loss of a game library—often irreplaceable and sentimental—cuts the deepest.
Alarmingly, Squirrel Mort’s case is far from isolated. Jez Corden of Windows Central responded to the gamer’s tweet, revealing a troubling pattern.
"I've been investigating these reports for almost a year now," Corden stated, indicating that such account takeovers often lead to permanent losses despite victims' best recovery efforts.
A Ray of Hope: Persistence is Key
While the situation seems dire, some community members report successful recoveries after persistent and escalated contact with Microsoft. The path is rarely quick or easy, but it underscores the importance of not giving up after the first "no" from automated support systems. Suggestions often include filing formal complaints, using account recovery forms repeatedly with detailed purchase history, and seeking direct engagement through official support social media channels.
Squirrel Mort’s saga, fueled by community support, may yet have a happy ending, but the battle is an uphill one.
I've had my @Microsoft account since @Xbox 360 spent thousands on games then got hacked the hacker replaced my email with a different email @msftsecurity says they cant give me back my account @jronald @satyanadella @XboxP3 is there anything you can do?
— 🐿️ Squirrel Mort 🐿️ (@mortivoree) December 18, 2025
15 years lost please help pic.twitter.com/gNk6byoENW
A Cross-Platform Problem
This vulnerability isn't exclusive to Xbox. PlayStation loyalists have faced similar devastating hacks, with high-profile trophy hunters being prime targets. These curated accounts, boasting rare platinum trophies, can be resold for significant sums on black markets. In some infamous cases, PlayStation support has even been accused of inadvertently siding with the thieves during recovery disputes, leaving the original owner powerless.
How to Protect Your Digital Collection
The universal advice from security experts is simple but non-negotiable: enable two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately. This adds a critical layer of security beyond just a password. For Microsoft accounts, using the dedicated Microsoft Authenticator app provides the strongest protection.
Additionally, consider these steps:
- Use a unique, strong password for your gaming/primary email account.
- Regularly review your account’s active sessions and linked devices.
- Never share login details or use the same password across multiple sites.
- Keep a record of your major purchase receipts in a separate, secure location.
Squirrel Mort’s story is a sobering reminder. In our digital worlds, we don't truly "own" our games in the traditional sense—we own a license that is tied to an account. Protecting that account is the only way to safeguard the digital treasures we've invested in, both financially and emotionally. For longtime gamers, the risk is often forgotten until it's too late. Don't wait for a hacker to remind you.