Can You Get Banned for Buying League of Legends Accounts?
Yes, you absolutely can get banned for buying League of Legends (LoL) accounts. This practice is a direct violation of Riot Games’ Terms of Service, and the consequences can range from temporary suspensions to permanent bans. While the allure of a high-ranked or skin-rich account can be tempting, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. Let’s delve into the reasons why buying accounts is a dangerous game and what you should know before considering it.
Why Buying LoL Accounts is a Risky Proposition
Violating Terms of Service
The most fundamental reason why buying League of Legends accounts is risky is that it’s explicitly prohibited by Riot Games’ Terms of Service (ToS). When you create an account, you agree to abide by these terms, which include restrictions on the sale, purchase, or transfer of accounts. Engaging in these activities breaches that agreement, placing your account at risk of disciplinary action.
Security Concerns and Scams
Purchasing an account exposes you to significant security risks. The seller may be untrustworthy and could take your money without providing access to the account, or they might regain access after you’ve made the purchase. Even if they do hand over the account initially, they can reclaim access at any time with the original login details. This leaves you in a precarious position, potentially losing both your investment and the account itself. Furthermore, many sellers are looking to make a quick buck and offer botted accounts that are flagged and banned very quickly.
The Inherent Unfairness
Account buying introduces an unfair element into the game. Players who buy high-ranked accounts often lack the skill to maintain their new rank, disrupting the game experience for their teammates and opponents alike. This creates a negative environment and undermines the competitive integrity that Riot aims to uphold. It also gives players an unfair advantage, allowing them to potentially exploit lower skill level games.
Potential for Permanent Bans
Riot Games actively monitors for account trading and takes severe action against violators. If caught buying or selling accounts, your newly acquired account, as well as possibly any other accounts linked to you, could be permanently banned. This means you’d lose access to all the progress, skins, and champions you’ve invested time and money into over the years. The consequences for breaking the rules are swift and severe.
The Illusion of a Quick Fix
Buying an account often stems from the desire for a shortcut to higher ranks or rare skins. However, skill comes from consistent practice and gameplay, not from a purchased profile. A shiny new account won’t magically make you a better player. In fact, you might find yourself struggling at a higher rank than your skills allow, leading to a frustrating experience for yourself and your teammates.
Related FAQs: Deep Dive into Account Issues
1. Is selling LoL accounts also bannable?
Yes, absolutely. Just like buying, selling League of Legends accounts is a direct violation of Riot’s ToS and can result in the permanent ban of the seller’s account.
2. What are the typical penalties for buying a LoL account?
The penalties vary depending on the severity and frequency of the infraction. Initial offenses often result in temporary suspensions, but repeated violations or severe cases can lead to permanent account bans.
3. Can Riot detect if I bought an account?
Yes, Riot Games has sophisticated detection systems in place. They monitor various factors such as IP address changes, abnormal activity patterns, and other behavioral anomalies, making it quite difficult to get away with buying or selling an account undetected.
4. Are there any “safe” places to buy LoL accounts?
No, there are absolutely no safe or legitimate places to buy LoL accounts. Every platform that facilitates account trading operates outside of Riot’s terms, making the practice inherently risky. Promises of warranties or guarantees from websites should be viewed with suspicion.
5. Can I buy an account on Reddit?
Buying or selling on Reddit or any similar platform is no different than doing so anywhere else online. It’s still against the Terms of Service and can result in your account being banned.
6. What is a “botted account,” and why is it risky?
A “botted account” is created and leveled up by automated programs, not by human players. These accounts often exhibit suspicious behaviors that Riot can easily detect, leading to rapid bans. Buying a botted account almost certainly ends in a ban.
7. Is account sharing allowed in League of Legends?
No, account sharing is also prohibited by Riot’s Terms of Service. Sharing your account with friends or allowing someone else to play on your account can lead to similar penalties as buying or selling accounts.
8. What are the other reasons my account might get banned?
Besides buying/selling accounts, other common reasons for bans include:
* Negative Attitude: Griefing, intentionally losing.
* Verbal Abuse: Harassment, offensive language.
* Leaving the Game/AFK
* Intentional Feeding
* Hate Speech: Racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.
* Cheating: Use of unauthorized third-party programs.
* Offensive or Inappropriate Names
9. What happens if my account is banned?
When your account is banned, you lose access to the game. Depending on the severity of the ban, you might have a time period that you are restricted or have permanent restricted access to the game. You will lose access to all purchased skins, champions, and progression.
10. How do I know if my League of Legends account is banned?
You will typically receive a notification via a pop-up message within 15 minutes of a game ending or the next time you log in to the game. The message will inform you of the ban and its severity.
11. Is it okay to use custom skins or third-party programs?
Using unauthorized third-party programs, including those that provide access to custom skins, is a violation of the Terms of Service. Riot Games does not support the use of unofficial modifications. Using third-party software can lead to bans.
12. Are smurf accounts bannable?
Smurfing itself isn’t bannable. Creating a second account to play at a lower rank is frowned upon, but Riot hasn’t made it an offense as long as you aren’t using it to boost other accounts. You can have multiple accounts as long as you’re not sharing them.
13. Does Riot ban IP addresses?
Riot Games may ban IP addresses if the same IP is used across multiple accounts exhibiting rule violations, however, this does not mean all the accounts that have been used on that IP are banned. If your IP address changes frequently, they may assume your account has been stolen and ban your account to protect it.
14. Can I have multiple League of Legends accounts?
Yes, you can own multiple accounts, as long as they are not used to boost other players, or to violate other Terms of Service. You cannot, however, share these accounts with others.
15. Is it safe to buy any game account?
No, it is not safe to buy game accounts, including those for League of Legends. Almost all game platforms and developers do not allow for accounts to be sold, and they have systems in place to detect violations. Buying or selling accounts could lead to life-time bans and loss of progress.
Conclusion
The risks of buying a League of Legends account far outweigh any potential benefits. Not only is it a clear violation of Riot’s Terms of Service, but it also exposes you to significant security risks, undermines fair gameplay, and can lead to a permanent ban. Instead of taking shortcuts, focus on improving your own skills and enjoying the game as it’s intended to be played. Remember, the satisfaction of earning your achievements legitimately is much greater than relying on an account purchased through illicit means. Play by the rules, and you’ll have a much more rewarding League of Legends experience.