Definition
Cheating is defined as improper actions that give the player an unfair advantage over others. The following actions are some examples of prohibited activities that are considered cheating:
- Use of a program* or tool within any PlayOnline service that allows certain actions to be performed automatically and continuously.
- Changing, combining, reverse engineering, or analysing game data**, as well as creating or distributing related utility programs.
- Use of any unofficial program to the benefit of the user.

* Please note that use of any third-party program that affects game play is prohibited, whether or not it specifically benefits the user.

** Please note that even those players who take advantage of in-game mechanics not intended as normal means of game play even without the use of unofficial programs may also face penalties such as account suspension. If you become aware of any such issue, please report it to a GM immediately.

Response
Any players caught cheating will be severely penalised. If the investigation, which may include log checks and other various investigation techniques, reveals that the player has gained an unfair advantage, the account will be immediately suspended and reviewed by the Account Admin for permanent account termination.

If you have witnessed players moving at unusual speeds or otherwise exhibiting suspicious behaviour, please contact a GM so that the matter can be investigated. Select the "Help Desk" -> "I want to report a violation of the PlayOnline Member Agreement" and place a call.

GMs may approach players during the course of cheating investigations. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Reasons
Cheating disrupts the game balance and items obtained in this way can disrupt the economic stability of the game. Additionally, some unofficial programs contain viruses and spyware which can be harmful to not only the user of the program, but also to other players as well. This can lead to personal data leaks, character deletion, and other unfortunate circumstances.