@Nadril

In my life time = money. And, as a simple google search will show, if you get scammed on your account it is not likely that you will get all your virtual goods back.

Also, the people taking your items - you do realize they are selling the gold for real-world money? In fact, you hard work would net someone real cash in their hands.

Besides, the world is becoming a virtual place. Ever play online poker? All those chips are virtual. Until you cash out, it isn't money. In fact, likely you use an ATM/Debit card - there are more virtual transactions. Some people have fraud protection on their credit cards. When that virtual money is spent, you are reimbursed - yet you were stolen from.

Again, theft is theft. Regardless of the medium. A person should be prosecuted to the same extent any thief would be. In the case of phishing, this is someone who could have stolen from hundreds of people - that is a lot of theft. Yeah, jail time is in order.