Players eager to dive back into Final Fantasy 14, especially with the game’s next expansion on the horizon and recent updates like the Pilgrim’s Traverse deep dungeon, should exercise caution when acquiring game codes. Square Enix has issued a stern warning: purchasing game codes from unofficial third-party sellers could lead to account suspensions if the products are found to be fraudulently obtained.
Following the generally positive reception to FF14 Patch 7.35 and improvements to Dawntrail’s post-game content, more adventurers might be considering returning to Eorzea. However, Square Enix has recently detected a significant rise in the use of Final Fantasy 14 game codes acquired through fraudulent means. These include registration codes for the Starter Edition, Complete Edition, and even the latest Dawntrail expansion.
The company explained that many of these illegitimate codes are procured from official retailers using stolen credit cards or other compromised data, then resold at a discount on various third-party platforms. Previously, if such an issue was identified before a code’s redemption, it would simply be invalidated. If a code was already redeemed, Square Enix would typically assume the user was unaware of its fraudulent origin and wouldn’t penalize the account.
However, this policy is changing. Square Enix emphasized that while the fraudulent transaction itself might not have been carried out by the player, buying game codes from unlicensed websites directly supports and perpetuates these illegal activities. To curb these illicit dealings, the company will now begin suspending accounts that have redeemed any fraudulently obtained Final Fantasy 14 game codes.
Players whose accounts are suspended due to this new enforcement will need to contact the FF14 support center to regain access. As part of this process, the individual who redeemed the fraudulent code will be required to pay Square Enix the full retail value of that code, along with the retail value of any other fraudulent redemptions or purchases linked to the account. Square Enix has not specified how far back they will investigate these actions, and further clarification has been sought.
An official statement from Square Enix regarding fraudulent FF14 game codes:
“We have been monitoring an increase in the redemption of FINAL FANTASY XIV game codes which were obtained fraudulently. These game codes include registration codes for the Windows/Mac version of the Starter Edition, Complete Edition, and the Dawntrail expansion. Many of these game codes have been illegally obtained from official retailers, typically using stolen credit cards or other compromised data, and are then sold at a discount on third-party sites. Until now, when we determined that a game code was obtained fraudulently we would invalidate it before it could be used. However, if the game code was already redeemed, we would give the benefit of the doubt that the user did not know it was fraudulently obtained and would not penalize the account. While the fraudulent transaction may not have been made by the person who redeemed the game code, purchasing game codes from unlicensed sites supports and perpetuates these illegal activities. To reduce these illegal transactions, we will begin suspending accounts that have redeemed fraudulently obtained FINAL FANTASY XIV game codes. If you believe your account has been suspended due to the redemption of a FINAL FANTASY XIV game code, please contact the Support Center to regain access to the account. As part of regaining account access, the redeemer of the fraudulently obtained game code will need to pay Square Enix the retail value of the game code as well as the outstanding retail values of any additional fraudulent redemptions or purchases. To ensure that you purchase legitimate FINAL FANTASY XIV game codes, we recommend only buying from your local game retailer or official online retailers. We appreciate your assistance and understanding as we work to counter fraudulent activities.”
This isn’t the first time Square Enix has cracked down on illicit third-party sales. Earlier in 2025, the developer initiated similar actions against those purchasing game time codes from unauthorized sources. Now, their focus has expanded to encompass the core game and its expansions.
To ensure players acquire legitimate Final Fantasy 14 game codes, Square Enix strongly recommends purchasing only from local game retailers or official online stores. Trusted retailers include the Square Enix store, Steam, Humble Bundle, Green Man Gaming, and for American accounts, GameStop and Newegg. The company appreciates player cooperation and understanding in their efforts to combat fraudulent activities.
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