Microsoft says probing fraud on Xbox Live service

Visitors play with Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 game consoles during the opening day of Madrid's International Data Processing, Multimedia and Communications SIMO Fair November 7, 2006. Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday said it is actively investigating reports of ''fraudulent behavior and theft'' on its Xbox Live online video gaming service, which has more than 6 million subscribers.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday said it is actively investigating reports of "fraudulent behavior and theft" on its Xbox Live online video gaming service, which has more than 6 million subscribers.

"Recently, there have been reports of fraudulent activity and account theft taking place on the Xbox Live network," Microsoft said in an e-mailed statement.

On February 11, an Xbox Live user posted a message on a Microsoft Xbox forum complaining about a hacked account and stolen credit card information.

Security is a major concern for Microsoft, whose operating system is a favorite target for hackers, and for online commerce sites such as eBay Inc., which has an entire team devoted to online security and safety.