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EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 6/ 2026
Welcome to the six edition of EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter! In our previous edition, we looked at how online interactions can sometimes be used to build trust before leading players into unsafe situations. As always, thank you to everyone who joined the discussion, shared advice, and helped make the topic more useful for the whole community. This month, we’re focusing on Account Recovery — what happens when you lose access to an account, why recovery can sometimes take time, and what you can do now to make the process easier later. Losing access to an account can be stressful, especially when it is connected to your games, progress, purchases, friends, or linked platforms. The good news is that a little preparation can make a big difference. Account recovery is something many players only think about after something goes wrong. Maybe you forgot a password, lost access to an old email address, changed phone numbers, or noticed suspicious activity on your account. At that point, the recovery process can feel frustrating, but it exists for an important reason: to make sure the account is returned to the real owner and not handed over to someone pretending to be them. One of the most common recovery issues is losing access to the email address associated with an account. Your email is often the main way services confirm your identity, send password reset links, and notify you about important security changes. If that email address is old, unused, or no longer accessible, getting back into your account can become much harder. This is why it is worth checking from time to time that your account email is current and secure. Another issue is incomplete or outdated recovery information. Recovery email addresses, phone numbers, backup codes, and trusted devices can all help prove that an account belongs to you. If those details are missing or out of date, you may have fewer ways to verify your identity. A quick account security check now can save a lot of stress later. Linked accounts can also play an important role. Many players use platform accounts, such as console, Steam, Apple, Google, or Microsoft accounts, to sign in or connect services. These links can be convenient, but they also mean that the security of one account can affect access to another. If your linked platform account is compromised or inaccessible, it may also affect how easily you can access connected games and services. During recovery, details matter. Services may ask for information such as previous passwords, usernames, purchase details, linked accounts, or devices you commonly used. This can feel strict, but these checks help protect accounts from takeover attempts. Attackers often try to exploit recovery systems by pretending they are locked out, so recovery questions are designed to separate the real owner from someone guessing. It is also important to be careful when seeking help. Scammers know that people who are locked out of an account are often stressed and looking for a quick fix. Fake support pages, impersonators, and “account recovery experts” may claim they can get your account back faster. Be cautious with anyone asking for passwords, verification codes, payment, or remote access to your device. Use official support channels only. Good account recovery starts before you need it. Keep your email secure, use a strong and unique password, enable two-factor authentication where available, keep recovery details updated, and save backup codes in a safe place. These steps may seem small, but they help make sure that if something ever goes wrong, you have more ways to prove the account is yours and regain access safely. How to get back into your EA Account https://help.ea.com/en/articles/ea-account/locked-out-of-ea-account/ Tips to complete Google Account recovery steps https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7299973?hl=en How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password https://support.apple.com/en-ie/118574 Help with the Microsoft account recovery form https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/manage/help-with-the-microsoft-account-recovery-form EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter-badge-handbook/13148877 In the previous volume, we focused on communication safety and how voice chat can sometimes be used for social engineering, harassment, pressure, or manipulation. Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion, shared personal reflections, and added practical advice for other players. For this Community Spotlight, we selected comments that offered clear warning signs, useful safety habits, and strong reminders about protecting both personal information and emotional well-being during online conversations. Recognizing Pressure Before It Works Author: ElhaSims Detecting social engineering in voice chats or harassment in online games requires paying attention to emotional manipulation, unusual urgency, and isolation. (...) Recognized for: Clearly explaining how manipulation can appear in voice chat and online conversations. Including practical safety steps, such as using block, mute, reporting tools, two-step authentication, and supervision for younger players. When Helpfulness Becomes a Hook Author: rosemow One social engineering tactic is that someone may start by offering helpful gaming advice or friendly conversation to build trust. Once that trust is gained, they may begin asking more personal questions that could identify the player or create security risks. Gamers should stay cautious about what they reveal while gaming or chatting, especially when they may not be as alert as usual. Recognized for: Explaining how social engineering can begin with friendly or helpful behaviour. Showing how trust can be built gradually before risky questions appear. Stay Safe Rather Than Sorry Author: GVRH Trust nothing without looking into it first, and if still in doubt, it’s better to stay away and be safe than sorry. Recognized for: Delivering a simple but memorable safety mindset. Making the topic easy to understand for the wider community. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to the discussion. Each comment helps make the community more aware, more prepared, and more supportive of safer play. EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 6 / 2026
EA_Kalina
1 hour ago Place EA Community Discussion
431Views
8likes
18Comments
Relationship issues since new update
Since the latest update, i’ve noticed my sim’s spouse is randomly mean. He is a new relationship. This didnt happen with her previous partner but since dating the new one he is randomly throwing a mean interaction autonomously. There is no reason why he should be. His traits are practice makes perfect, art liver, heart on your sleeve, grouch and muser. All luck and every other changing variable is normal and good. They have amazing compatibility, attraction and satisfaction. I have no idea whats wrong also have just noticed their friendship label is displayed as acquaintances even though it is a full green bar and romance (aside from the random mean interactions that i fix) i have also had to propose and marry them 3 times so far in more or less 5 hours of gameplay without them ever divorcing or break up. they should be perfect for each other so what is his deal??
peppibird
4 hours ago Place The Sims 4 Gameplay Questions & Issues
40Views
1like
2Comments
Spore
I was recently talking to my AI companion about trying to modernize spores old systems graphics and just its gameplay in general, I then realized I could attempt to simply just put the idea out there in hopes it catches wind up the chain of command. where they would have the funds and resources to accomplish this way faster then I ever could. I know games have become a bit more fast paced and companies are mostly looking for big money but I truly believe with the AI we have now you could have teams of AI write the coding exactly as you want it then proceed to just need human testers and so on..... this may not be the right group necessarily but its not easy to contact a big company for a rouge idea!
comrade_arcade
6 hours ago Place EA Community Discussion
5Views
0likes
0Comments
I need help please....
So, ever since the last update my game has been having errors. I have literally done everything and nothing. Also, when I'm playing my game, I am not able to click on my sim if I have multiple in the house. I may have posted the error twice by accident, I apologize but, this is so frustrating at this point.
tip9t2
6 hours ago Place The Sims 4 Mods & Custom Content
27Views
0likes
1Comment
Can't Remove Water Fountain Effect
I've been bust renovating a property (located on the Key Point lot in Sulani) - since removing some fountains at the front the game is still producing a water fountain effect as pictured in the above screenshot. I've been trying to get rid of it and tried various things but to no avail - it's driving me nuts - has anyone experienced this before and if so any ideas of how to get rid?
miklc
8 hours ago Place The Sims 4 Gameplay Questions & Issues
81Views
1like
4Comments
!! ALERT!! Malicious Script Mods and Other Malware
CURRENT INCIDENT #1: July 2026 Someone has got access to xSavannahx987’s Patreon account and is running a scam that involves announcing retirement from Sims and suggesting you go to their new AI website and download their AI app. Do not click these links. Do not download this app. The impact is currently unknown but obviously likely to be very bad. NOTE: This is a new scam pattern that may not be limited to the one account. Be suspicious of unexpected, uncharacteristic activity from creators. And don’t just click on everything. STOP CLICKING ON RANDOM STUFF! CURRENT INCIDENT #2: May-July 2026 An 18+/NSFW mod host is a particular target of people spreading malware. Be sure to have ModGuard installed. Do not download 18+/NSFW mods from new creators. Do not download any newly posted mods about SimRay body modification or feet remastering from any site. Check that animation mods don't have ts4script files included. See below for past incidents. See also the section in How to Use Mods and CC about "Safe Simming" for advice on how to avoid downloading compromised files. Download TwistedMexi's Modguard mod (from his website or Curseforge) to help protect you from the malware-infested ts4script file you thought was okay, even after you were being cautious. ModGuard Conflicts Do not use mods or tools that are blocked by TwistedMexi's Modguard or that conflict with it, even if they have no malware on examination. Removing Modguard so that you can use a mod means leaving yourself open to malware-infested ts4script mod. Don't do that. Known issues: SYVR – SimsSweep: Triggers a ModGuard report (based on player report). Claims to duplicate ModGuard function but has other serious issues, and I strongly advise not using it. More info here. fgeh – Pose Manager: Blocked by ModGuard. Not necessary as you can still manage poses manually. ***************************************************************************************** January 2024 Incident Beginning as early as mid-January 2024, we began seeing Sims 4 script mods with malicious executable .exe code hidden in them. The mods masqueraded as being from existing creators or from a brand-new creator with a name similar to an existing one. In one known case, it appears that a creator’s account was hacked to update the creator’s own mod page. These mods also presented themselves as being previously existing mods. (Mac users: Because this is .exe code, it won’t affect you, but may produce LEs.) Mods known to have been compromised "PimpMySims4" (impersonated) – Cult Mod – was on Mod the Sims; now removed MySims4 – "Social Events - Unlimited Time" – was on Curseforge; now removed MSQSims (hacked) – on The Sims Resource, Feb. 5-8; all removed Mood Cheat Menu Motherlode Menu Seasons Cheat Menu Weather Forecast Cheat Menu PlayersWonderland (hacked) – Mouth Preset N16 ts4script file – on The Sims Resource, now removed V1 of an adult mod, with a January file date – on LoversLab How to check your system for the January 2024 malware To see if your system has been affected by the malicious code: select Windows-R In the window that opens, type this: %AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\UserData In the folder that opens, look for files called Updater.exe and/or Main.exe. If you are affected If you had one of these files, assume that any sensitive data on your PC may be compromised and take the steps below: Clear your system for this specific virus. (See below.) This must be done FIRST. If you have the Discord app or a cryptocurrency wallet app, uninstall them. This is important if not obvious: Starting these can trigger an attempt to reinstall this malware. Change your passwords. Add two-factor authentication where available. If you had saved credit card or similar information to a web browser, remove it and find out from your financial institution (or other relevant site) what action to take next. Reinstall Discord and cryptocurrency wallet apps from fresh downloads. Learn more about keeping your data secure in the future: https://answers.ea.com/t5/EA-Services-General-Questions/Answers-HQ-Online-Security-Newsletter-January/m-p/13449052/thread-id/447422 To clear your system: Download this fix created by Maxis mod-host partner Curseforge: SimsVirusCleaner Double-click the SimsVirusCleaner.exe file in your Downloads folder tor run it. This is a good time to run a general virus/malware scan on your computer. More things to know Curseforge and The Sims Resource updated their file screening for this method of malware inclusion. Type of mods affected: The least likely mods to be affected were mods that are only .package files and mods uploaded by mod creators on Patreon or their own sites. Most Sims 4 mods are not script mods and aren’t doing anything requiring a ts4script file. Downloaded folders: Assume that any folder containing a collection of mods might include a compromised mod containing code that can steal your passwords, your banking info, and much more. Do NOT download and install these collections. If you have done so at any time since mid-January, check your system. New prevention/detection Sims 4 tool: TwistedMexi released a tool called ModGuard. April 2024 Incident [April 7, 2024] Malware via a mod that downloaded as only a text file with a link. Known cases: "S4 CAS Tools" on Nexus from user fubruss (the real mod is on Mod the Sims, from the late CmarNYC, dated 18 March 2023) “Loading Screen Randomizer” on Nexus from user fubruss (the real mod is on Mod the Sims, from Tesuto , dated 9 January 2024) Do NOT follow the links in text files. Do NOT download other files or follow links from this user. No legitimate mod download will EVER consist of only a text file (a file ending in .txt). If you downloaded either of these, delete them and run a virus scan. NOTE: This type malware does NOT require that you run the game for it to install itself, and is not what ModGuard is designed to detect and stop. November 2024 Incident On November 5, 2024, on Mod the Sims, someone uploaded malicious versions of at least four mods. Unlike the earlier incident, no new accounts were involved, and one of the accounts breached was TwistedMexi's. No other compromised mods were found. It is not yet known what the effect of any malware included or called up was, so assume it's very bad. What to do If you downloaded any mods with .ts4script files from Mod the Sims on November 5, delete the mod and run a virus scan. If you don't already have it, download TwistedMexi's tool ModGuard. It will not protect against all possible script-file exploits, but it will help. Note that your other system protections cannot see what's in a .ts4script file. April 13, 2025 incident Some SimFileShare CC compromised Do not download mods from SimAndy or TheNinthWaveSim or Pixelunivairse mods/CC from SimFileShare. The accounts are compromised. Files present include an executable (.exe) file presumed to be malicious. If you downloaded files from these creators after about April 11, delete them and run a virus scan The owner of SFS has removed all known compromised files, and SFS is permitting file uploads again. Please remain cautious about what you download, especially files that were updated in early April 2025. March 2026 incident Multiple Mod the Sims accounts compromised. Ts4script files uploaded, including to mods/CC that should not have one. Files contents clearly malicious. If you downloaded any ts4script files from Mod the Sims beginning March 1, 2026, delete immediately and run a full-system malware and virus check. All compromised files have been removed. An 18+ mod-hosting website is also compromised. If you have recently downloaded an 18+ mod from an 18+ website and you don't use ModGuard, check if you've been infected with malware: Look in your Sims 4 install location for a file called "out.exe" (or "out" if extensions are hidden). Do not run the file. Do this: Delete the file Delete recently downloaded 18+ mods Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently delete them Run a full virus and malware scan Change your passwords April 2026 info post A creator named UNYOOZD claimed that they replaced their CC download files with ones containing malware. Their Patreon was deleted a few days later. There is no evidence of malware having been available from links or downloads. Their TSR downloads are just standard .package files and not malware. If you do have any .zip, .rar., .exe., or .ts4script files from this creator, you could delete those. I recommend, however, not spreading word that there was actual malware from them, as there’s no evidence of this May-June 2026 Do NOT download or install these mods: Simray Body Modifications Enhanced creator names include user_96gl6723xjhsfv9z, SimPeet, and others sites include Curseforge (in May; removed soon afterward), Nexus, an 18+ website Feet Remaster Mod known source: creator SIVERSPHINXX on Nexus mods by: noyslla JDMRendon MyDearMods cankuş animation mods with script files If you have installed them: delete immediately run virus/malware scans on your computer change your passwords The effect of the executables in these mods is not tested. Please presume the worst. Please note that many of these are coming from an 18+ mod site. This means they are NOT named here in more detail. Please think about the kind of sites people who want to install malware on your computer might be inclined to target. Current Impact of Incidents on Mod Update News Updates of mods/CC hosted only on Mod the Sims may be delayed.
luthienrising
8 hours ago Place The Sims 4 Mods & Custom Content
61KViews
45likes
26Comments
Dogs wont breed
I didn't create the dogs together in cas im not sure if that matters... but every time my sim suggests they breed the one dog goes up to the other and they do a thing like growling at each other and it shows the opposite dog over each others heads with it crossed out- I don't have a screenshot sorry!- I've tried having them be nice to each other and whatnot but so far nothing has worked and they've both reached elder stage so I aged them down again with the vet treat and still... no go. I just wanted puppies so I can have a dog that looks like one when they pass away D: anyone have any tips on how to get them to like each other and breed?
Larrk
12 hours ago Place The Sims 4 Gameplay Questions & Issues
8.5KViews
0likes
9Comments
please remove these during replay
These indicators showing up in the replay can be pretty distracting and immersion breaking for anyone who enjoys making skate edits. Often times I'm forced to change camera angles to hide them.
CinderSpeeds
16 hours ago Place skate. General Discussion & Feedback
28Views
1like
1Comment
Coach Capsule Collection: Now Available Free on the Marketplace
The Coach RePurposed Capsule will be available for all players to download for free through The Sims 4 Marketplace beginning July 28. The capsule celebrates thoughtful Coach craftsmanship with designs made from pre-loved materials, reimagined for a new season of stories and modern wardrobes. Your Sims can refresh their wardrobes with chic, upcycled fashion pieces in the all-new Coach RePurposed Capsule, while discovering new ways to customize and elevate their musical sanctuaries with the Music Den Kit. Crafted by Coach Coach returns to The Sims 4 this summer with more free offerings for players! The Coach RePurposed Capsule will be available to download through The Sims 4 Marketplace starting July 28. The RePurposed Capsule is inspired by Coach (Re)Loved, a line of gently worn bags reimagined and restored by talented Coach craftspeople through an initiative to create unique wardrobe icons while helping reduce waste. For The Sims 4, the capsule introduces a new season of stories through all-new pieces designed with thoughtful Coach craftsmanship. Past, Present & Posh Get ready for bold styles, reimagined with Coach! Explore fashion pieces inspired by pre-loved fabrics, bringing unique character, texture, and history to your Sims’ wardrobes. With contemporary silhouettes and striking style, all eyes will be on your Sims as they strut into town. Each carefully crafted design reflects Coach’s artisanal approach, creating distinct and expressive looks made especially for Sims. Redefining The Basics Breathe new life into back-to-school staples with a chic full-body trench coat, denim skirt, cardigan, and rugby shirt. Rooted in heritage and shaped for a new generation, this collection brings together individuality and the timeless sense of style that The Sims embodies. https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/the-sims-4/news/sims-4-coach-capsule-collection-music-den-kit
simgirl1010
20 hours ago Place The Sims 4 General Discussion
360Views
13likes
16Comments
Old email account deleted and advisors not helping
My email account to my old EA account has been deleted, my xbox account it linked and recognized device method does not work. I have gone through 20+ advisors and they arent any help. I can prove my ownership of my account through IP addresses, purchase history, even email and password. The advisors refuse to help beyond the recognized device. Any information on what I can do please let me know.
Sirlicksalot0
1 day ago Place EA Community Discussion
17Views
0likes
1Comment