Steam Trade Scam Warning Signs: When a Quick Swap Is Really a Setup
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By Youth Shield
Steam trade scammers pretend to offer a fair swap, a big bonus or help from a "friend", then trick you into giving up items or account access. Common tricks include fake trade-offer links, copycat profiles of people you know, and pressure to act fast before the "deal" disappears. Some scammers also ask you to log in on a lookalike website, which can hand them your password and your inventory. Once items are traded away, they are often impossible to get back.
Check the trade window carefully, and cancel it if the items or the person's name don't match what was agreed. Only log in to Steam through the official site or app, never through a link sent in chat. Be suspicious of anyone who rushes you, offers something far too good, or asks you to move the chat elsewhere. Turn on Steam Guard two-factor authentication and use a unique password for your account. If you think you've been scammed, change your password, sign out of all devices, and tell a trusted adult.