GAMING

If you or your children use gaming devices, you probably have one or more gaming accounts set up. These might be PSN (for PlayStation), Microsoft (for Xbox), Nintendo (for Nintendo products), or accounts for specific games played on other devices. These accounts contain information such as billing details, IP address, and sign-in history. Sometimes, people may use gaming devices as a way to contact and harass you and/or your children. If your former partner set up the account, they may also change the settings to control you (e.g. by logging you in and out of the games console).

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SECURE YOUR GAMING ACCOUNTS AFTER A BREAKUP:

• Discontinue using accounts that are shared. If you or your children are using your former partner’s accounts, create new ones on a safe device.
• When creating accounts and profiles, choose a username that doesn’t include your real name or other identifying information. Protect your privacy by not giving out identifying or contact information.
• Do not store your credit card in the game store, as additional purchases can be made without your consent.
• If at any point you no longer have access to your former partner’s account that has your credit card info stored, you may want to talk to your bank about getting a new card.

Consider factory resetting

• If someone else set up the device with parental settings, you may need to do a factory reset on the device and create new accounts.
• Review linked devices and login history and remove any accounts you don’t recognize or no longer want to have access to your device.
• Change your passwords and set two-factor authentication.
• Check your recovery details to ensure it is your contact information.
• Check your privacy and security settings and remove, block, or report if necessary.
• Set up parental settings for your children’s accounts.

For more information, see our resource Online Gaming: Privacy Risks and Strategies

Caution: Please note that if someone else has access to your account, they may be notified of these changes. Some abusers may escalate their violence. Control and coercion may make some of these steps neither possible nor safe. If you have children or other dependents, you might consider going through some of these steps with their technology and accounts as well. To develop a safety plan, visit www.sheltersafe.ca to find a safe, confidential program in your community.