InZOI’s December update added lots of features, primarily focused on expanding a player’s money-making options, fleshing out the darker sides of InZOI, adding winter activities and holidays, and general bug fixes to improve player experience. However, one player discovered a brand new feature not directly touched on; InZOI Scams! While players can run scams as a way to make money, leading their Zoi into a crime-riddled and shady lifestyle, they can also be targeted for those same scams!
New Feature: InZOI Scams
Reddit user u/ctrl-alt-neat on Subreddit r/InZOI
I got SCAMMED! This is an OUTRAGE!
I only booted up the game to check out the new updates. Then not even 5 mins in I get this snakeoil salesman promising me a great ROI (don’t even know how he got my number!).
I took a chance as they said results were guarenteed and they didn’t even verify my account funds first. They immediately deducted the full amount and sent me into overdraft. I’m now below the poverty line to the point where welfare tried to step in and save me by sending me money…but i’m still 1K in debt!
I am now getting emergency loan recommendations from my local bank but I can’t even afford bus fare to get there! Where do I go from here? These scammers have ruined my life. I can’t even make tomato pasta for myself, all I can eat is soup 😭 currently having a pep talk with myself in the mirror bc I’m about to go insane! Any advice on how I can report this?
P.S: Loving the update!
Source: u/ctrl-alt-neat
Patch Notes
Per the patch notes of InZOI’s v0.5.0 Update, a multitude of new features were introduced, including the ability for player-controlled Zois to live a life of crime, build their own business, take on odd and shady jobs, and winter holiday events and weather changes. While player-controlled Zois can pursue crime through burglary or scamming, that doesn’t stop in-game scams from targeting your Zois!
Scammers
○ Scam other Zois for a chance to strike it rich!
○ Various scammer interactions have been added, including “Attempt Voice Phishing”, “Scam In-Game Items”, “Impersonate Charity Worker”, and “Hold Fake Seminar”.
○ The success rates of scammer interactions are influenced by the Rhetoric and Critical Thinking skills.
While this is a prominent feature, this is not the only feature related to crime. Players can also go through the process of becoming a burglar, working as an online scammer, or taking on shady jobs from “The Suspicious Job Agency” and their bulletin board job listings.
And while Zois can succeed in these shadier money-making options, they can also get the book thrown at them in the form of arrests, fines, criminal trials, and even prison sentences. Zois will have Crime Scores that indicate the severity of the crime if it is reported by a witness, can develop a wanted status for up to one day, and go through a lengthy trial process with a lawyer to hopefully get any charges overturned or a reduced sentence.
For more information on the crime features added in InZOI’s December Update, v0.5.0, make sure to check out our Patch Notes article!
New Feature: InZOI Scams
Similar to real-life scams, the scam messages targetting your Zoi will show up at random on their phone, often promising easy wealth before swiping out your Zoi’s money from under them, often leading to debt, despair, and an angry mood after the Zoi realizes what has happened and feels swindled.
Since so many legitimate game features are advertised to players via text messages, many players wouldn’t think before agreeing to the scam, or just ignoring it. One thing of note is that the icon shown for “Smash Hit Investment Lab”, the scammy “company” in questions, uses an image of a concealed person with a hood and mask behind a laptop, giving a hint as to their real intentions.
When your Zoi agrees to this investment, they lose money and often go directly into debt. This can cause stress when, typically two hours later, the scammer in questions reaches out and rubs it in your face that you lost that money to them.
Other Additions to the Crime System
Scamming isn’t the only thing added in the updated Crime system. Zois can also become good old-fashioned Burglars, breaking into homes and businesses to steal items, dodging property owners, security cameras, and home alarm systems. Zois looking for something a little less hands-on can apply to new positions at the Shady Job Agency, taking on gig-style crimes posted by said agency.
Thieves
○ Become a thief and break into property to steal items!
○ Various thief interactions have been added, including “Pick Door Lock”, “Break Down Door”, “Open Safe”, and “Sabotage Surveillance Camera”.
○ The success rates of thief interactions are influenced by Handiwork, Programming, and Fitness skills.
○ Some properties may have traps such as surveillance cameras and alarms installed.
Suspicious Job Agency
○ The Suspicious Job Agency has been added, allowing Zois to take on shady jobs and collect crime information.
○ Use the Agency’s Bulletin Board to purchase crime information.
Zois are able to witness crimes and report them, and this can lead to a developing Wanted Status. This status will only last for up to a day, but leads to any passing police officers making chase and fining or arresting the wanted Zoi. This often leads to trials and lawyers, and sometimes even prison or jail time if the crime warrants it.
Our full list of the patch notes, including fixes, new features, and expanded systems, can be reviewed here!
Have you gotten scammed yet in-game, run any scams yourself, or tested out other new crime features? Feel free to discuss, and we’ll make sure to keep you updated on new InZOI Features and surprises at The Sims Community!