Xbox players warned over online con trick

Parents were warned today to monitor their child's Xbox use after thousands of gamers were conned into revealing financial information.

British players were among those hit by online criminals who tricked them into revealing passwords and bank details. Credit card numbers were also stolen.

The Sun said British victims lost about £100 on average, but reports said "many have had more than £200 stolen". Players were sent emails directing them to bogus websites apparently offering free Microsoft points. Small amounts of money were then stolen over several weeks to make the theft less noticeable. Microsoft has promised refunds to victims.