Man Pleads Guilty to Second Life Land Fraud in Real Life Court

While the goings-on in virtual worlds are beyond the understanding of many in real life, the court system found a scam involving thousands of dollars done online clear enough to bring to real life court. In this case, a man plead guilty to swindling a woman in a Second Life real estate deal.

In April 2015, Joshua Bills was arrested and charged with fraud. The crime: a virtual real estate scam, "In the complaint, it stated that a loan agreement was made with Bills for $53,500 for the purposes of expanding his online real estate company. Bills was to use the money to purchase land that he would manage through his company, within the game Second Life, in exchange for a promissory note that would pay $10,000 for the investment within 24 months."

The woman whom was targeted had been renting a home in Second Life from Bills. Then, "He suggested she invest with him to buy more land within the game so he could manage it and make both of them money." But instead of investing the money as promised, the majority of it went to his E-Trade investment account.

Indiana Securities Commissioner Alex Glass commented in a statement, "This was certainly a unique case in that it dealt with online, virtual real estate. However, upon examination of the facts, this case is very similar to a conventional real estate investment scheme. Con artists are always finding new and unique ways to scam trusting individuals out of their hard earned money."

Bills plead guilty in Marion County Indiana court. He was sentenced in late July to three years probation, and ordered to repay the woman he defrauded in full.

Hamlet Au of New World Notes, which also wrote about the case, commented, "this conviction helps establish a legal precedent for future prosecution of other virtual scams."

Sources: Business Weekly, ind.gov 

Bixyl Shuftan

Jobias Barthelmess Announced as Winner of Steelhead Elections

It was last week on August 6 in which the Steampunk community of Steelhead held their mayoral elections. Yesterday at the Steelhead town hall, interim mayor Jimmy Branagh announced the results. Three candidates had run for the office, TotalLunar Eclipse the incumbent, and two challengers, Willow Leafstorm and Jobias Barthelmess. Jobias, whom was involved in an attempted shooting of Steelhead's Sheriff Fuzzball Ortega, was a much criticized candidate at public meetings. Even he himself during the debate admitted he wasn't the most popular of those running.

So imagine the surprise when it was announced at the August 13th town hall meeting that Jobias had won the elections! Timmy, who gave the announcement, was described as worried, "he sounded odd." This led to a lengthy debate among the people at the meeting, and whether or not the votes should be screened for accounts less than a couple weeks old.

Lunar reminded the crowd that while Jobias has been accused of many plots, he had never been convicted of them. When talk turned to tarring and feathering him, Lunar tried to calm them down, "Killing or maiming him would earn you jail time, there is still a law here." He asked that if people insisted on plotting that he be left out of it.

Speaking to Lunar after the meeting, he commented of the results, "I am quite frankly shocked. I have served under another mayor before I will try and keep neutral on my feelings." Willow, who was also there, had this to say, "Yes, I have a statement. There is no way that man, Jobless Brothelmess is taking office on my watch. He is a scoundrel and a criminal. My duty is to protect Steelhead."

As of now, there is no official statement from Jobias. Details are still coming in about this upset election in Steelhead.

(Editor's note: the election results are part of a community roleplay, so expect more twists and turns)

Bixyl Shuftan

Phony Relay for Life "Agent" Scamming Well Meaning Residents

In the Relay for Life chat a few days ago, one of the Relayers had some news, "I need to report something to you all and ask you to watch out and spread the word. Giving you a heads up, there's been a newbie running around various sims that sponsor RFL, claiming he's an agent … and to please donate L$'s to him." "Him again?" groaned another member. It was mentioned that the Relay sponsoring sims were banning him, but, "The problem is if he goes to sims NOT connected to RFL, where he might (seem) more plausible."

While it's not normally illegal to solicit money for charity, claiming to do so as an "agent" of the Relay for Life when one isn't certainly counts as fraud. So this individual, and anyone else like him, is liable to have his account, alts and all, banned. And if the Lab sees fit to notify the police, there is the possibility of arrest and jail time.

But until he's caught, the Relayers remind all that they collect their Lindens through kiosks. And of course the Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Bixyl Shuftan

Phishing Scam

Xymbers Slade recently found something in one of his groups, "Just got this out of one of the Mentor groups I'm a part of --- those scammers just never seem to give up. So spread the word, that this one's a scam."


Dear Second Life user,

Due our latest IP Security upgrades we have limited access to sensitive Second Life account features.
Protecting the security of your account is our primary concern
We understand that this may be an inconvenience.
Please understand that this temporary limitation is for your protection.

How can I restore my account access?

Please download the form attached to this email and open it in a web browser.
Once opened, you will be provided with steps to update your account.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to
ensure account safety.

If we detect a sign in with your username from another country we may decide that we want to
confirm that it's really you. You must complete all steps otherwise you will not be able to use
the online service until we have completed additional security checks.


We apologize for any inconvenience

Copyright 2011 Linden Research, Inc. Linden Lab 945 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111


It should be reminded that it's not just Mentor groups open to such swindels, but any with open enrollment.