Xbox Live is the community service on the Xbox games console that allows users to interact with other gamers worldwide in order to play games together and also allows users to purchase services via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Xbox Live subscribers purchase 'Microsoft Points' with a credit card and can redeem those points for the products such as map packs, game extensions or arcade games for download to their Xbox hard drive.

The allegations of fraud first came about in February when an Xbox Live user posted a message on the Xbox Live forums alleging that his or her account had been hacked and Microsoft Points purchased and used without permission. It seems that it wasn't the only allegation as Microsoft has now come out and publicly admitted that it is investigating further incidents of fraud on the gaming network.

It remains to be seen if the fraud relates to a software or network security problem or if criminals are exploiting the network's community based features to extract sensitive information from other players. While any community network will run the risk of criminals abusing the confidence of others, should any network or software security glitch come to light it will be very embarrassing for Microsoft.

Despite Microsoft's recent efforts to include parental controls in their products such as Windows, XBOX, and others, they say features alone are not enough. Microsoft is launching a campaign to help parents understand and take advantage of the features that exist in Microsoft products to protect their kids from unwanted content. The "Safety is no game" campaign aims to teach parents how to block access and use other parental features to protect their kids. Microsoft has also partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Best Buy to help spread the word on their new campaign. This is a great idea, and since parents are so busy these days, this campaign will ease the worries of some who cannot be home 24/7 to monitor their child's activities by helping parents put a leash on their kid's gaming before leaving the house. Microsoft is also doing themselves a favor by helping parents feel more secure about their products, and will most likely see positive numbers in their bottom line as a result of this campaign. As a parent myself, I jump on board with just about anyone trying to help me do my job better or easier, without more hassle or cost.