Game items are generally pretty safe to trade. The most important thing is to use reliable services and be attentive during every transaction. Scams mainly take advantage of people’s carelessness.
Trading security will go up if you know what could happen if you press some buttons or send information to someone you don’t know. It’s also to show you guys that being reasonable with your actions is the best protection. This applies to more than just skins.
So, let’s take a look at a few scams you shouldn’t fall for and talk about how to avoid them.
Phishing Website Scams
In order to trick players/traders into logging in with their Steam credentials, scammers make fake versions of popular trading platforms and publish them online with almost identical URLs.
A real owner can’t access the account or even check inventory value after this happens. And even if they get legitimate access back, precious items are gone.
Scammers get people to visit their fake sites by using direct messages with a fake link. They promise something good, like free items, an unbelievable discount, or a great trade. It’s possible you’ll get a friend invitation in a DM : “I want to be your friend, but can’t; use this link” or something like that.
How to avoid
Whenever you click on a link in an ad or search result, double-check the URL. It might be better to bookmark a platform you use regularly rather than googling it every time.
Trading platforms have sales and giveaways, but they don’t come from random websites. And even if everything looks legit, checking the URL after clicking one is crucial.
To avoid this scam, make sure your Steam account and accounts on other trading platforms have 2FA. So scammers won’t be able to use your login and password — and you know, you shouldn’t share your temporary codes with anyone. In case you didn’t do anything and got a code in your email or phone, change your password as soon as possible.
Steam API Scam
As with the previous scam, scammers get your Steam credentials through a phishing website, but they can’t steal the items right away because Steam Guard requires two-factor authentication.
You never know when your Steam credentials will be compromised, even on generally reliable platforms.
The process is scarily simple:
- You get a safe trade offer from a third-party site or any other Steam user.
- The scammer with access to your Steam account cancels the trade on your behalf and then creates a new trade from another account with a similar nickname (to the account you originally wanted to trade with).
- You don’t notice this manipulation and accept the latest trade offer [from scammer].
- Without any concerns, you go to Steam Guard and confirm this trade.
- Say farewell to your items.
How to Avoid
Make sure your Steam credentials are safe – don’t click links from odd advertisements or emails from strangers; only visit websites you trust; install anti-virus software.
Whenever you see scambot activity during a trade, change your Steam password and end all active sessions immediately; DO NOT confirm the trade in Steam Guard (even if you took a trade from a scammer, the items are safe until you authorize the trade with 2FA). So always check everything twice before you sell CS2 skins.
SSFN File Scam
There’s something clumsy and clever about this Steam scam. They use your Two-Factor Authentication routine (a must) to make you feel safe as if you didn’t get security codes, so nothing is wrong. There’s also a way the scammers try to cheat people. They ask people to find a specific file on their computer and send it to someone.
It’s called the SSFN file, and it was created to avoid repeating 2FA on your devices. For example, you enter a one-time security code on your PC before logging into Steam. It’s secure and convenient. However, if scammers get access to your Steam login and password and then trick you into sending them your SSFN file, the 2FA feature cannot protect you.
How to Avoid
To protect yourself from scams, always keep your two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, never share security codes with anyone, and never send SSFN files to anyone. Scammers may pretend to be your online friend or support from a platform you use, but legitimate services will never ask for such sensitive information. The internet is not a safe place to share SSFN files.
Before you sell CS2 skins, it’s important to check your Steam inventory value to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Knowing the value of your items helps you avoid being underpaid by scammers. Use reputable platforms for transactions and always double-check the URL to make sure you’re on a legitimate site, as scammers often create fake websites that look almost identical to the real ones.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from scams and safely sell CS2 skins. Understanding the value of your inventory and being cautious with your online actions are key steps in securing your transactions.
Impersonation Scams
Using a combination of tricks from past scams, this is another scam. There’s something new and unusual about the scammers: they might pretend to be Valve employees. It says something like “We want your login/password so we can make sure you’re not a scammer. Otherwise, we’ll block your account.”
As a result of your panic, you give them your security info. “We’ve been asked to block your account by someone, so we need your security code to make sure you’re the real owner of this account”. It’s not a good sign if someone asks for your security code.
How to Avoid
Don’t panic! Scammers want you to panic. If you have doubts, check out the account that sent you the message. Write to Steam Support for clarification.
Never(!) give out your credentials. Change your password if something’s off.
