Linden Lab Official:Policy regarding inworld banks

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The Second Life Terms of Service prohibit offering interest or any direct return on investment (whether in L$ or other currency) from any object, such as an ATM, located in Second Life, without proof of an applicable government registration statement or financial institution charter. Linden Lab will remove any virtual ATMs or other objects that facilitate the operation or facilitation of inworld "banking," i.e., the offering of interest or a rate of return on L$ invested or deposited. Those who continue to offer these services may be sanctioned with suspension, termination of accounts, and loss of land.

Usually, Linden Lab lets Residents decide how to act, live, or play in Second Life, but unregulated inworld "banks" brought substantial ecomonic risks to Second Life. Offering unsustainably high interest rates, they are in most cases doomed to collapse, leaving depositors with nothing to show for their investment.

This prohibition does not apply to companies that submit a registration statement, charter, or other applicable license from a governing regulatory authority; or those merely conducting marketing or education, but not accepting payments.

To report a violation of this policy, choose Help > Report Abuse in the Second Life Viewer, and follow the instructions given.