http://uk.kotaku.com/5780421/exploit-results-in-theft-of-12-million-in-xbox-live-codes

Recently on my X-box 360, I was given a message (supposedly) from X-box live saying that they are going to give me 80 points in an attempt to get me to try out the improvements to the marketplace. Being the gullible idiot I am, I fell for it. Now, it seems like Microsoft will be banning accounts, specifically the scammers and anyone who fell for it.
Please tell me if I have actually fell for the scam in the article because I don't want to end up getting banned for theft of points that I shouldn't have. Should I also write a letter to Microsoft to apologise about falling for it as well? Hopefully, Microsoft knows mercy still.

Well, if you were sent the link to that exploit and got those codes, explain that you had no idea it was a scam and you'd be more than happy for them to return those points that were wrongly given to you. Perhaps, though slim the chances may be, if you explain your situation with verbose and well written apology and politeness, perhaps they may understand and reduce those points and warn you to be more careful next time.

The link to the codes wasn't sent, but a message directly from (what was shown to be on the message) X-box live with a code on it, saying it would expire a few days ago. It was on my message list on the 360 and I never asked anyone for them. The message just seemed to appear out of nowhere. I'll see if there is a way to send them an apology.

Had a look around the internet and found out the 80 free points were legal and not a scam at all. Apparently, it was an (unusual) act of charity from Microsoft. The other one is apparently a completely unrelated scam. http://gameplaytoday.com/home/news-archive/4633-microsoft-giving-out-80-free-points/
Well, that was embarassing. Thanks for the help though.

No Problem, I'm glad it all turned out to be okay in the end though

You bring up a good point though. How can you be banned for using them if you didn't know if it was legit? If MS can do this, anyone can pose as them as well. As long as yoiu didn't buy anything on the cheap.

Let this be a good lesson for you. If this happened to me, I would have just deleted the message. You just never know that this can be a virus to destroy your 360. It's what, not even 80 cents, so even bother? More like 50 cents. Never EVER take the chance.

Consider yourself lucky this time, don't do it ever again.

i got the message too but didnt do it since it was only 80 ms points.

Didnt get a message, also I think its funny "charity". The MS point system uses a seperate currency and odd prices so you have points left over, its not efficient, just a way to get more cash, I hate that system so much.

I used the 80 points to buy an indie prog.