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Player Moderator Guidelines
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### Introduction

Player Moderators are very important to Jagex and to the RuneScape community as a whole. Not only can they send priority reports to the specialised Player Moderator Curator team here at Jagex, but they also act as ambassadors for the game. This role is taken on voluntarily and therefore we don't expect any Player mods to go out 'hunting' for scammers - nor will we impose any quotas for reporting or expect them to take time out from playing the game. Player Moderators are players first and foremost and should play the game as normal and report scammers only when they come across them.

If you are reading this guide, then you are currently within the ranks of the Player Moderating team for one of the largest online role-playing games in the world.

You have obviously proved yourself to be an impressive and valued player in order to be chosen, but we understand that in order to carry out your role efficiently you require the correct resources.

Within this, your Player Moderator guide, you will find easy reference for the rules of RuneScape as well as basic guidelines on security and confidentiality.

For any further information or to discuss these topics with your fellow moderators, be sure to join us in the Player Moderator forums

**Note: this guide is confidential and should only be read by the Player Moderators.**

Rules How to identify a rule breaker. Click here | Security Why keeping your account secure is so important. Click here | Confidentiality What should not be said. Click here

### Rules

When using the Player Moderator powers that you have, you must use them in conjunction with these guidelines and the Player Moderator Code of Conduct.

What reporting powers do Player Moderators have?

Abuse reports

- When you see someone breaking the game rules you can submit a Player Moderator abuse report. These reports act in the same way as a standard abuse report. However as a Player Moderator, the abuse reports that you send will be handled exclusively by the specialised Player Moderator Curator team.

Abuse reports with mutes

- When submitting reports you can also optionally mute players. The mute will last for 48 hours, so it is critical that you only use the mute facility where it is absolutely justified in accordance with these guidelines and the Code of Conduct. We do not want to see innocent players muted, nor mutes placed where a simple report would have been sufficient.

  The mute is a very powerful tool for combating scammers and can really help us to impact on the scamming element within the game, making the RuneScape a better environment for all. However, it must be seen as a tool to aid Jagex and not as a punishment in itself. The Player Moderator mute must only be applied in a situation where it will actively stop rule breaking from happening. There are several cases where a mute will never be required so be sure to make yourself aware of the difference.

Rule 1 - Offensive Language

You must not use any language used which is offensive, racist or obscene.

Rule 2 - Item Scamming

You must not scam or deceive other players.

Rule 3 - Password Scamming

Asking for another players password for any reason will not be tolerated.

Rule 4 - Cheating/Bug Abuse

Any bugs found within the game must be reported to Jagex immedaitely.

Rule 5 - Jagex Staff Impersonation

You should not attempt to impersonate Jagex staff in any way.

Rule 6 - Account Sharing/Trading

Each account should only be used by ONE person.

Rule 7 - Macroing

You must not use other programs to gain an unfair advantage at the game.

Rule 8 - Multiple Logging-In

If you create more than one RuneScape account, they must not interact.

Rule 9 - Encouraging Others to Break Rules

You must not encourage others to break any of the RuneScape rules.

Rule 10 - False Representations

This service must be used appropriately and treated with respect at all times.

Rule 11 - Advertising/Website

You are not allowed to actively advertise in the RuneScape game or RuneScape forums.

Rule 12 - Real World Item Trading

RuneScape items must only be exchanged for other items/services within the game.

Rule 13 - Asking for Personal Details

To protect players' saftey and privacy, you must not ask for personal details.

Rule 14 - Misuse of Official Forums

Forums must be used respectfully at all times.

Rule 15 - Advert Blocking

Please do not block the Adverts in free-to-play RuneScape.

#### Rule 1. Offensive language

You must not use any language used which is offensive, racist or obscene.

More information

The key word here is 'discretion'!

For the purpose of this guideline, we have limited the amount of examples. We have done this partly for the sake of civility, but also because this rule is very much reliant on your discretion as a Player Moderator. We ask that you honestly consider the situation when coming up against offensive language.

Offensive language is a very difficult rule to judge and we ask that you take care when tackling it. When reporting players for offensive language it is imperative that you consider the context before you submit the report, especially with a mute.

For example

- Friends may well use what seems offensive language to others amongst themselves. As long as this is not affecting players around them you should not report them for this.
- Some players may use offensive language on certain occasions out of frustration, though not directed at another player. If these are isolated cases you should not report these players.
- Likewise, if players are using isolated abbreviations such as 'fu' or 'omfg' you should not report them.

Only if abuse is persistent and personally directed will it be necessary to report with a mute. The mute should only be used if these words are used more than 3 or 4 times.

Language of a sexual nature - It is imperative to remove this from the game. However, remember to be sure of context! Bear in mind that sexually abusive language can take place without any actual swear words being used.

- Do not report:

Mild sexual language being used amongst friends
- Player1: Hey sexy, how you doing today?

- Report without mute:

Mild sexual language being used to offend or belittle a player; Includes language that is used in a solicitation context
- Player1: Hey babe. You're really sexy, want some fun!

- Report with mute:

Language of an explicit sexual nature, used for offense, threat or solicitation.

The Chat Filter - Do not report language that has already been caught by the chat filter unless the abuse is still made obvious or is extensive.

- Do not report:

- Player1: You **** !! ***** is the ******!!!

- Report without mute:

- Player1: You're a ****ing piece of sh**!

- Report with mute:

- Player1: I will F***ing kill you!
- Player1: Player1: You ****king sh*t! you're f****ng dead!

Racial Abuse - This is simply not tolerated in the game and must always be reported with a mute if the language is intended to be insulting and derogatory.

- Report all racial abuse with mute

Player Moderator Abuse -Unfortunately, Player Moderators are sometimes the subject of abuse from other players due to their prominence and their status. On most occasions this abuse is nothing more than personal heckling and we ask our player mods to be patient in such cases. More often that not, adding the offending player to your ignore list will solve the problem. If they are bordering on actual offensive language, firstly warn the player about the abuse. If the player is being very offensive towards you and using violent, threatening or extremely vulgar language, you should report them with a mute.

Spamming the chat box - Rule 1 reports can also be used to help reduce the level of spamming in the game. The mute button should only be used against spamming in extreme cases, but should you see a player spamming the chat screen to the point of disrupting the game of others, then please do report this under abusive language.

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do submit an abuse report without mute if a player is:

- Using vulgar language more than twice.
- Using number and letter combinations to get around the chat filter to say something obviously offensive.
- Is being threatening.
- You come across an offensive name in game.

Do submit an abuse report with a mute when:

- Verbal abuse is extreme and persistent.
- Sexually abusive.
- Violent and threatening.
- Extremely vulgar.
- Racist.

Don't submit an abuse report when

- Players are joking amongst themselves.
- There are only a few isolated minor swear words in all of the chat.
- When players say words like 'noob' 'choob'.
- When players use isolated abbreviations like 'stfu'.

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#### Rule 2. Item Scamming

You must not scam or deceive other players.

More information

With this rule, your mute should be used if you feel that you can prevent further scamming by using it. Most item scam cases will require a mute.

An item scam must include:

Deliberate lying to scam

- Report with mute:

- Player1: Selling rare Spinach roll
- Player1: This leaf will raise your attack by 20!

Deliberate tricks to get a player to give away an item (e.g. pretending to be a staff member, refer to rule 5).

- Report with mute:

- Player1: I'm Jagex staff - please give me your best item for a free upgrade.
- Player1: Apparently, if you drop that item near the fountain, it will duplicate.

An offer to duplicate or modify items.

- Report with mute:

- Player1: If you give me your sword, I can duplicate it for you.
- Player1: I'll trim your armour for free

Trust tests or trust games where a player does not return an item.

- Report with mute:

- Player1: Give me your best items - whoever gives the best wins 1mil
- Player1: Do you trust me? Give me your best item and I'll give it back.

What is not an item scam?

- An unbalanced trade.
- Someone getting a bad deal on an agreed trade.
- Someone offering to sell items relatively cheaply.
- A trade followed by a player logging out, this doesn't mean that they are attempting to scam.

Be aware of some scammers quickly switching the values offered within the trade screen.

A common example of this type of scam is a player offering to sell 1000 coal and then changing the value on offer to 100 very quickly before the other player realises.

If a player attempts this scam on you and you have not accepted the trade - please send in a Player Moderator support query along with the report. (See Player Moderator support query below).

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do submit an abuse report if:

- A player is attempting to gain another player's items (this may extend to Bank Pin theft).
- A player is attempting to scam via a trust test etc...

Don't submit an abuse report when:

- A player makes an unbalanced trade.
- Someone is offering to sell items relatively cheaply.

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#### Rule 3. Password Scamming

Asking for another players password for any reason will not be tolerated.

More information

One of the easiest rules to catch, Password scamming includes any attempt to gain another player's password by any means.

If a player is trying to scam a password, you should always submit an abuse report. Because of the serious nature of password scamming a Mute should always be given to any player trying to scam passwords.

Password scamming examples

- Report with mute:

- Player1: Jagex finally wont let you type your pass - ******
- Player1: The new jagex filter doesn't let you say your password see test:*****
- Player1: Selling code to make easy money
- Player1: The code is that u have to change ur pass to 063572
- Player1: Change your pass to money log out and then back in and look in bank
- Player1: Do you want to be a member? I make you one if you give me your pass.
- Player1: I can level up your combat if you let me on your acc. Wats the pass?

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report and mute a player when:

- A player is attempting to gain another player's password.

Don't send an abuse report when:

- A player is discussing how to keep passwords safe.

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#### Rule 4. Cheating/Bug Abuse

Any bugs found within the game must be reported to Jagex immedaitely.

More information

Bug abuse is very difficult to detect in abuse reports. Generally, you will only be able to report a player for bug abuse if you see them verbally admitting to it. This should be reported under verbal abuse.

Should you see evidence of a bug abuser, but see no admission, you may send in a Player Moderator query detailing your suspicions. This will allow us to investigate the character.

Bug abuse should never require a mute unless the player in question is encouraging others to also abuse the bug.

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report without mute when:

- A player is admitting to bug abuse - use verbal abuse option.

Do send in an abuse report with mute when:

- A player is advertising a game bug and encouraging its use.

Don't send in an abuse report or mute players when:

- A player or players are discussing a bug. Players will discuss bugs; it doesn't mean that they intend to exploit them.

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#### Rule 5. Jagex Staff Impersonation

You should not attempt to impersonate Jagex staff in any way.

More information

Staff impersonation will generally fall into one of three categories:

Usernames - Players with a username that could be easily mistaken as official.

- Report with mute:

- modd_james
- passchecker
- iamstaff
- jagxstaf

Impersonation with intent to scam - Claiming to be staff in order to scam items or a password.

- Report with mute:

- Player1: I'm staff. We are running checks on accounts and need your pass
- Player1: Please give me your best item for inspection. I am staff
- Player1: I work for Jagex and we need your pass to make you a Player Moderator

Impersonation with no malicious intent - Some players will simply claim that they are staff to win an argument or to feel special.

- Report without mute:

- Player1: Well, my dad works for Jagex
- Player1: I work for Jagex, it's the best job in the world!
- Player1: You can't kill me...I work for Jagex.

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report without mute when:

- A player is simply claiming to be staff, but not with an aim to scam.

Do send an abuse report with mute when:

- A player claims to be Jagex staff with an aim to scam.
- A player has a name that resembles our staff names.

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#### Rule 6. Account Sharing/Trading

Each account should only be used by ONE person.

More information

There are two distinct categories within this rule: account sharing and account trading.

Account sharing

This can be tricky to catch. You are most likely to be able to send us a report only if a player admits to the act. Should you see a player admitting this, please send a report without mute.

- Report without mute:

- Player1: This isn't my account - it's my sister's
- Player1: I play my brother's account sometimes
- Player1: I'm not player1, I'm his mate

If on the other hand you should see a player actively attempting to share an account with someone, you may then use a mute as it could well prevent the sharing from happening.

- Report with mute:

- Player1: Does anyone want to share accounts?
- Player1: Can I go on your account and you go on mine?

Account trading

This is far easier to spot than account sharing and will always require a mute.

- Report with mute:

- Player1: Buying accounts!!!! I'll buy your account!!
- Player1: Selling pure mage lvl 50f
- Player1: I'll give you my pass if you give me 10mil gp

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report without mute when:

- A player is admitting to sharing an account.

Do send an abuse report with mute when:

- A player is trying to buy an account.
- A player is trying to sell an account.
- A player is attempting to persuade another to share an account.

Don't send an abuse report when:

- You suspect a player is sharing an account (We must have proof first).

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#### Rule 7. Macroing

You must not use other programs to gain an unfair advantage at the game.

More information

Macroing falls into two main categories:

- Autotyping - This can be reported under abusive language as it is clear to see in a snapshot when an autotyper is being used. Autotypers can be recognised by large quantities of complicated text being repeated in fast succession. These reports will be dealt with as normal. Such examples can be muted in order to avoid further disruption. Please see the examples in rule 1 - spamming the chat box for a guide on the levels of text you should be looking for.
- Repeated task Macroing - Should you see a player you suspect to be using a Macro to perform a repetitive task, you can send a report using the Macro option. This will not require a mute and you will not receive confirmation for this report. Instead, your report will be sent directly to our Macro detection system in order for the player in question to be investigated.

Should you see a player verbally admit to using a Macro however, you will still be better to use the verbal abuse option.

Macroing examples

- Report without mute:

- Player1: I don't do my own fishing; I have a bot that does it
- Player1: My autoer is great, I don't have to train manually

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report under verbal abuse without mute when:

- A player is admitting that they use macro software.

Do send an abuse report under verbal abuse with mute when:

- A player is using an autotyper to spam the chat box.
- A player is advertising macro software (see rule 12).

Do send in a Macro report when:

- You have any suspicion that a player may be using a Macro.

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#### Rule 8. Multiple Logging-In

If you create more than one RuneScape account, they must not interact.

More information

Multiple Login reports will never require a mute. As with Bug Abuse and Acc Sharing, you are unlikely to be able to send in a report unless a player admits to the act.

Multiple Login examples

- Report without mute:

- Player1: If I give you this helm, can you trade it to me on my other acc?
- Player1: I don't keep my best items on this acc, I drop trade them all to my noob
- Player1: I have a mule account
- Player1: I need to get some more money off my other account first

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report without mute when:

- A player is admitting to multiple login.

Don't send an abuse report when:

- You merely suspect that someone is logging in multiple characters.

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#### Rule 9. Encouraging Others to Break Rules

You must not encourage others to break any of the RuneScape rules.

More information

This is a fairly generic category and can be used in any instance where you feel that one player is encouraging another to break any rule. Do be aware that in some contexts a player may only be joking. Be sure that what you are witnessing is truly encouraging others before applying a mute.

Encouraging others to break the rules examples

- Report with mute:

- Player1: have you ever scammed? I can teach you how
- Player1: You wanna know how to hack?
- Player1: You should buy an acc from ebay
- Player1: Let's cuss out the mod
- Player1: Jagex won't do anything if you break the rules, scam him!

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do send an abuse report with mute if:

- A player is in any way attempting to encourage others to break rules.
- A player is telling others how to break rules.
- A player is advertising a website that contains information about rule breaking (see rule 11).
- A player is actively promoting a bug in the game.

Don't submit a report and mute a player if:

- The player casually refers to a rule breaking offense (e.g. "hehe scam the noob") this is usually just done in a joking way. However you must use your judgment in these cases

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#### Rule 10. False Representations

This service must be used appropriately and treated with respect at all times.

More information

This rule applies to all instances of providing false information to Jagex. For the most part, you will only be running into breaches of this rule relating to misuse of Customer Support.

Reporting of this rule will rely on verbal admission. As a general rule, you will never need to mute for this rule; only send in reports without mute.

Misuse of Customer Support examples

- Report without mute:

- Player1: Everyone report this player! Hahahaha
- Player1: I'm going to report you until you get banned
- Player1: If you report me, I'll report you back
- Player1: I sent a pass form for your acc to Jagex!

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Only submit an abuse report without mute where:

- A player is clearly seen admitting that they have misused customer support.
- A player admits to deceiving customer support in an attempt to gain another players details.

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#### Rule 11. Advertising Websites

You are not allowed to actively advertise in the RuneScape game or RuneScape forums.

More information

As with many of the rules in these guidelines, context will play a large part in reporting for advertising websites. Try to limit your mutes to those times that you actually see what looks like a link to a hack, cheating or autoing site, rather than muting players who may simply need a reminder. Our aim here is to get any players advertising cheat sites that could well be keylogged out of the game as soon as possible.

In any persistent cases, you can of course consider a mute for spamming the chat box.

Advertising websites examples

- Do not report:

- Player1: You can get help from [fansite name] if you need it

- Report without mute:

- Player1: Do you want to join my clan? It's at [link]

- Report with mute:

- Player1: Free miners at [link] go to [link] for free bots and hacks
- Player1: Wanna type as fast as me? Web: [link]
- Player1: Free RS2 items at web: [link]

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do submit an abuse report without mute where:

- A player is advertising a website you do not know. We can then give you feedback on this website, so you know for future.
- Player is advertising a website that you feel may have offensive content, but is not dangerous.

Do submit an abuse report with mute where:

- The player is advertising any cheat site, hack site, auto miner site or any other website designed to give players and unfair advantage.
- The player is advertising a chat program name/handle or email address.
- The player is advertising any software.
- The player is advertising a duplication service (see rule 2).
- The player is advertising the same link repeatedly.

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#### Rule 12. Real World Item Trading

RuneScape items must only be exchanged for other items/services within the game.

More information

It is of course not possible to see real world trades in abuse reports. However, if a player is admitting that they have bought or sold items or characters for real money then you should submit an abuse report without mute to alert us to the fact.

Real world item trading examples

- Report without mute:

- Player1: I once bought an account off ebay
- Player1: I'm going to buy some gp with real money at a site I know
- Player1: Selling full rune for real $$$
- Player1: You get me ess and I'll pay you in real $$$ each week

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do submit an abuse report without mute where:

- A player is admitting that they have bought or sold items for real money.
- A player is advertising the sale or is offering to buy items with real money.

Don't send a report where:

- You only suspect that a player might have real world traded

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#### Rule 13. Asking for Personal Details

To protect players' saftey and privacy, you must not ask for personal details.

More information

The aim behind this rule is to prevent any player from asking for details that could be used to track another player in real life. As always, do consider context. Sometimes, players may well ask how old each other are or what their first names are. This information is not dangerous and is not considered reportable in most situations.

However, asking for details such as full name, parents' names, address, email address or phone number could well have a more sinister undertone.

Asking for personal details examples

- Do not report:

- Player1: what's your name?
- Player1: Have you got any pets?

- Report without mute:

- Player1: What's your email address?
- Player1: What's your address? And what school do you go to?
- Player1: Do you have a mobile phone? Tell me the number so I can call u

##### Roundup - Quick Reference

Do submit an abuse report with mute where:

- A player is admitting asking for any personal details that could be used to track another player in real life.
- A player is seen asking the age of another player with sexual reference.

Don't send a report where:

- Players are innocently chatting as friends about their ages and names.

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#### Rule 14. Misuse of Official Forums

Forums must be used respectfully at all times.

More information

It is highly unlikely that you should ever come across anything relating to this rule whilst in-game. However, it's useful to know that the rule exists to safeguard the RuneScape forum users and keep the forums a fun place to be. Should you see evidence of a player breaking the forum rules, please be sure to post on the 'Forum Emergencies' thread in the General forums using the template given.

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#### Rule 15. Advert Blocking

Please do not block the Adverts in free-to-play RuneScape.

More information

Similar to Rule 14, it is very unlikely that you will ever meet a player breaking this rule. However, if a player openly admits to using advert blocking software you should report them without a mute.

You should report any players selling advert blocking software under the Real World Item Trading category.
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### Security

Please remember that as a Player Moderator your account security is vital. Account security is one of the first basic requirements of being a Player Moderator. As such, should a Player Moderator account be found to have any security breaches - whether the Player Moderator's fault or not - then that account will be regretfully demodded.

Please therefore take care to safeguard your account. Your modship does depend on this.

For helpful links, please visit our Security Tips.

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### Confidentiality

As a Player Moderator, you will often find yourself privy to certain information that other players will not. We expect you to at all times remain discrete about the content of the Player Moderator Centre; this extends from the Guidelines all the way down to topics discussed in the Player Moderator Forum lounge.

Other players will be aware of the existence of the Player Moderator centre - there is a link to the area on the main site. They will not however, be able to gain access to it.

You are entitled to inform them that this area provides reference and guidance material to help you with your role. You can even mention that there is a Player Moderator forum where you can discuss your role with other Player Moderators. However, they must never know of the content discussed within.

Failure to keep this content secret will result in your demodding.

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#### Thank you for reading the Player Moderator guidelines.

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