Do You Get IP Banned for Buying Fortnite Accounts?

The short answer is: no, you will not typically get IP banned solely for buying a Fortnite account. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances involved, as buying and selling Fortnite accounts is a direct violation of Epic Games’ Terms of Service (ToS) and can lead to severe consequences, including account bans. While an IP ban is a possibility in certain circumstances, it’s usually a secondary consequence related to actions associated with the purchased account, rather than the act of buying itself. Let’s break down the complexities to help you understand the risks.

Understanding Account Bans vs. IP Bans

Before we delve into the issue, it’s important to distinguish between an account ban and an IP ban.

• Account Ban: This is the most common penalty. Epic Games will permanently or temporarily ban the account that was bought, sold, or shared. This means the account becomes inaccessible, and you will lose all the progress, skins, and items associated with it.
• IP Ban: This is a more severe penalty. An IP (Internet Protocol) ban means that Epic Games blocks your internet connection from accessing their servers. This ban affects every account you try to access through that specific internet connection. To get back online, you would need to change your IP address.

Why Buying Accounts is a Risky Business

Buying a Fortnite account carries significant risks beyond just losing access to the purchased account. Here’s why:

• Violation of Terms of Service: As previously stated, Epic Games strictly prohibits the buying, selling, or sharing of accounts. This is explicitly stated in their ToS.
• Account Loss: Epic Games actively monitors for account trading. If they detect that an account has been sold, the account will likely be permanently banned. This could result in a waste of money for buyers, and the loss of a valuable account for the seller.
• Security Risks: Purchased accounts can come with security risks. The original owner may still have access, and the account could be reclaimed, or the account information could be stolen. Additionally, the account might have previously engaged in activities that violate the ToS, leading to a ban later on.
• No Guarantees: There’s no guarantee that the seller will deliver the account as promised, or that the account will remain usable. This leaves buyers vulnerable to fraud and scams.

How Could an IP Ban Be Triggered?

While simply buying an account typically won’t cause an IP ban, there are situations where it can happen indirectly:

• Cheating or Exploiting: If the purchased account has been previously used for cheating or exploiting the game, Epic Games might ban the IP address associated with these violations. If you then try to play using your network with that banned account you would be accessing with a banned IP address.
• Malicious Activity: If the purchased account is used for malicious activities like harassment or hacking, it could trigger an IP ban. This is because Epic Games often takes drastic measures when dealing with harmful behaviors.
• VPN or Proxy Usage: Although using a VPN isn’t explicitly illegal, Epic Games may take action against accounts using VPNs, especially if they suspect suspicious activity. Using a VPN to access a bought account could potentially raise red flags leading to more scrutiny and potentially an IP Ban.

How Epic Games Detects Account Trading

Epic Games uses a combination of methods to detect account trading, including:

• Login Patterns: Unusual login patterns, such as accessing the account from significantly different geographic locations, can trigger flags.
• IP Address Changes: Frequent changes in the IP address associated with the account might indicate account sharing or selling.
• Account Activity: Sudden, dramatic shifts in gameplay patterns can also raise suspicion.
• Reports: Other players may report suspicious accounts.

The Bottom Line

Buying a Fortnite account is a risky proposition. While you are unlikely to get IP banned from the simple act of purchasing one, there are many other things you might get banned for. Doing so directly violates the Terms of Service and can lead to the loss of the account and potentially even your ability to play Fortnite. It is strongly advised against buying or selling accounts, and instead focus on building your own accounts through fair play and enjoying the game legitimately. Focus on gaining your own skins and other items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further insights into the risks and rules of Fortnite account buying, selling, and IP bans.

1. Can I get banned for sharing my Fortnite account with a friend?

Yes, account sharing is against Epic Games’ ToS, and it could lead to a ban for both you and your friend.

2. Is it illegal to sell a Fortnite account?

While you won’t face criminal charges, selling a Fortnite account is a violation of the terms of service and can lead to the account being banned. It’s considered a breach of contract with Epic Games and often illegal due to the intellectual property rights.

3. What is a permanent ban in Fortnite?

A permanent ban in Fortnite is indefinite and irreversible and will stop you from playing. It’s typically given when a player is caught cheating or engaging in serious violations of the ToS.

4. How long do temporary bans last in Fortnite?

Temporary bans usually last up to 30 days, after which you’ll be able to access your account.

5. Can I merge two Fortnite accounts?

No, Epic Games does not allow merging of accounts. You cannot combine progress or items from two separate accounts.

6. How do I get a new IP address?

You can usually get a new IP address by restarting your modem and router. Some ISPs may also assign dynamic IP addresses that change over time. You can also use a VPN to change your apparent IP address.

7. Is using a VPN illegal in Fortnite?

No, it’s not illegal. However, using a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions or to conceal potentially suspicious activities is against the ToS and can lead to bans.

8. How can I bypass a Fortnite IP ban?

To get around an IP ban, you need to change your IP address. Using a VPN is one way to do this, as it will mask your real IP address. However, using a VPN to get around an IP ban may lead to further action by Epic Games.

9. Is it possible to get a refund for a banned Fortnite account?

No, you are not eligible for refunds if your account is banned due to a ToS violation.

10. What is a “cabined” account in Fortnite?

“Cabined” accounts are for players under 13 years of age. They have limited access to certain features until parental consent is granted.

11. Can I sell Fortnite skins?

No, you cannot sell or trade skins that you’ve purchased in the game. This is not a supported feature.

12. How do I know if I’ve been banned from Fortnite?

If you are banned, you will see a message stating that you were removed from the match due to internet lag, your IP or machine, VPN usage, or cheating.

13. Are there safe ways to buy or sell a Fortnite account?

There are no guaranteed safe ways to buy or sell Fortnite accounts due to the ToS violation. Any transaction carries a high risk.

14. Does using a VPN speed up Fortnite?

Yes, a VPN can sometimes reduce lag in Fortnite by helping you find a more direct route to the game server, but this depends on your ISP, VPN quality and server location.

15. Is it ever worth it to buy a Fortnite account?

No, it’s never worth it. The risks of account loss, security breaches, and potential bans far outweigh any perceived benefits. Building your account legitimately is always the best approach.