Why are Online Lobbies Almost Almost Always Fake?

What is an Online Lobby?
A lobby that consists of aspects that are only available directly from an exploited console. This includes but is not limited to:
-Any MW2 lobby that consists of a mod menu or real time editing (i.e. challenge lobbies)
-Any BO1, MW3, BO2, or Ghosts lobby

Online lobbies are much different than XP/Infection lobbies. The first requirement to host an online lobby is to have an exploited console. This is usually in addition to a retail xbox. It is at this point in which the hoster can infect themselves via System Link in order to host. The hoster can still not host an online lobby without putting their exploited console online itself. Microsoft makes sure each console passes checks upon it's connection to XBL. So it is challenging to get an exploited console online without a ban. Since online lobbies are not infect-able, the hoster must buy server time to put their exploited console online and host. Unless they do it themselves, this costs a lot of money. Especially in addition to key vault costs. Next time you receive a legitimate online lobby, make sure to thank your hoster.




How Can I Spot a Fake Lobby? If I Find One, What Should I Do?

This is the main purpose of the thread. If you are in need of an XP lobby, you are in luck. XP lobbies can be hosted by people who have received XP Infections from an exploited console. This may be someone who just joined an online lobby, or infected themselves vis System Link. Regardless of the lobby, fake hosters usually make mistakes when detailing their modded lobbies. Here are some helpful tips when looking at a lobby:

-On MW2, mod menus are not infect-able. A host can verify a player with an online exploited console, but the player can not open the menu after leaving.
-If the poster of the thread is a new to this site, it may be someone avoiding a ban on their main account. Not all new members are fake hosters, so do not assume this in every situation.
-Make sure the thread has valid proof on it. It is very easy to go on youtube and copy and paste just any youtube video in the proof section. Make sure the youtube video consists of the user's TheTechGame name somewhere in the video or description. If it does not, they most likely stole the video.

Look for their username as well as TheTechGame in the video itself as well.

-A checkerboard map is not proof that the host is legitimate. A checkerboard map means that they have been infected by themselves or someone else.
-A very common type of fake lobby is intended to spam someone's inbox. If the original poster implores you to message him for an invite it is most likely to spam someone else.
-If the user is asking for subscribers, or anything that makes you do something in order to gain access to the lobby, it is most likely fake. It is also in violation of site rules.

You can ask the hoster questions such as:

Q: What type of modded console do you have?
A: Models: Xenon, Falcon, Jasper, Trinity, Corona
A: Exploits: JTAG, RGH (Reset Glitch Hack), J-TAG, including variations

Q: Is your exploited console online?
A: If it is, they should be able to host online lobbies (i.e. challenge lobbies)

Q: What service are you using to get online?
A: XBLSE is the only public method

Q: Do you use a XRPC tool?
A: If yes, they should be able to change their gamgertag in the pre-game lobby

The ultimate proof is in the lobby itself. The hoster should start the game fairly quickly, unless they are having technical trouble.


What to Do if you Find a Fake Lobby:
Report the thread if the poster is breaking the rules of this section
Do not mini moderate, report and move on
The rules for this section can be found here. If you have questions regarding the rules, you can post in the 'Talk To Staff' forum here. You can also PM SharpGhost, as he is the staff member that updated the rules. Do not PM me, I am not a part of TheTechGame staff.




How Do I Find a Legitimate Challenge Lobby?

If you are on this site, no legitimate hoster will charge. If they are legitimate, they will respect the community rules.



Extra Things to look for:
-Threads with "Join Session" as the way of getting in the game.
-Threads posted by experienced members.
-Threads with proof that the user is legitimate by connecting their TheTechGame account to the proof video by username.
-If it is an online lobby, look for proof that the hosters modded console is online. This could mean the video was posted recently, they have a livestream, or they have screen shots of server time purchases.
-Look for threads that the user put work into. This isn't always the case. Some legitimate hosters don't have time spend 20 minutes on their thread, but fake hosters tend to not take the time either.
-Look in the comments to verify that people have received the service. Make sure they not only post that is is "legitimate", but also confirm that they have received the offered service.