Getting banned in RuneScape for Real World Trading (RWT) can be devastating, especially if you’ve invested years into your account. While Jagex takes RWT violations seriously, there are still a few strategies that might help you appeal the ban and potentially recover your account — especially if it’s your first offense or there’s room for plausible doubt.

1. Understand the Type of Ban

Before appealing, determine exactly what type of ban your account received:

  • Permanent Ban – RWT: Typically issued for buying/selling gold or services for real-world money
  • Moderate RWT Warning: Your account remains active but flagged
  • Macroing vs. RWT: Don’t confuse botting bans with RWT bans — appeals differ

Tip: Log into your account on the official RuneScape website and check the “Account Status” page for details.

2. First Appeal Attempt (Sincere & Honest)

Your first appeal has the highest chance of success, especially if:

  • This is your first violation
  • You’ve been an active player for years
  • You’ve made past purchases or supported the game financially

In the appeal form:

  • Stay calm and professional
  • Express confusion or surprise — not guilt
  • Mention your long-term commitment to the game
  • Request a manual review and state it might be a mistake

3. Use the “Compromised Account” Angle

If the above fails, submit a second appeal or contact Jagex support with a claim that your account may have been compromised.

This works better if:

  • You can demonstrate a login from an unusual IP or device
  • You recently used third-party clients, public PCs, or risky plugins

Claim: “I believe someone accessed my account without my knowledge and may have used it for trading. I’ve since secured my email, changed my password, and added authenticator.”

Jagex often unbans compromised accounts if you show initiative and proof of securing it afterward.

4. Provide Evidence of Ownership

When escalating the case, be prepared to show ownership:

  • Original creation email address
  • Past passwords used
  • Membership transaction IDs (from PayPal, card, etc.)
  • Approximate account creation date

Optional: Screenshots of previous gameplay, bank setups, or unique achievements can help prove authenticity.

5. Contact via Twitter or Reddit (Last Resort)

Jagex mods sometimes respond on social media. If all else fails, reach out through:

Tip: Be respectful, brief, and avoid spammy language — people have successfully gotten their bans reviewed this way.

Final Thoughts: Not All Bans Are Permanent

Although RWT bans are serious, Jagex has reversed many of them when appeals are well-written, honest, and supported by evidence. If you’re truly innocent or have secured your account post-incident, there’s a fair shot at recovery.

Reminder: Avoid future RWT activity. Even if you get unbanned, your account will remain flagged for future monitoring.

Want to sell safely instead? Read our RWT-safe gold selling guide →