Using skins in CS2, as well as buying and selling skins, causes pleasure and sometimes euphoria among players. However, scams are common on the skins market, which is not surprising, because the cost of some skins can exceed $ 1,000. The good news is that they can really be avoided if you adhere to the rules of safe trading, which you will learn about in this short guide.
The Most Popular Scams in CS2 Skin Trading
The ingenuity of scammers is at the highest level. You can encounter scams everywhere: on the Steam platform, third-party platforms, when viewing emails, and in Discord groups. Let’s look at the most popular scams in skin trading.
Phishing Scams
Phishing is generally a common method of fraud in various areas. In skin trading, it is also successful. This scam involves either the creation of fake websites by scammers that are very similar to official services, or the scammers posing as official Valve employees. The goal is ultimately one – to gain access to the user’s account and empty it.
API Scams
This scam involves scammers using the Steam API function to manipulate exchange offers and steal skins. To carry out such scams, scammers first need to gain access to the user’s Steam API key. This is usually done through phishing.
Skin Switch Scam
This is the simplest scam that players fall for due to carelessness. The essence of this scam is that the scammer replaces the skin right before the trade is completed.
For example, you exchange AK-47 | Inheritance skin for some knife, but at the last moment, the scammer replaces the knife with a cheap Desert Eagle skin.
So, it is recommended to be extremely careful when exchanging skins and not rush to confirm the transaction. If the exchange is unsuccessful, it is impossible to return the skin.
SSFN File Scam
This is probably the most complex scam that can be encountered in skin trading. Therefore, it is not as common as the scams described above.
This scam involves using an exploit with the SSFN file system on Steam, responsible for the two-factor authentication. This scam is carried out in stages. First, the scammer needs to carry out a phishing attack to access the SSFN file (it contains data on account logins using 2FA). Having access to this file, the scammers have the opportunity to bypass 2FA to log into the victim’s Steam account.
Here, as with other scams, you need to be vigilant for phishing emails and links.
Recommendations to Help You Avoid a Scam In CS2 Trading
No one is immune from falling into a scam scheme when trading skins, but following these recommendations will minimize the likelihood of trouble:
- Learn to recognize the signs of a scam. Always doubt the veracity of too profitable deals, check the seller and the skins offered. Do not provide confidential data to those who call themselves Valve teammates.
- Use strong passwords. It is recommended that you use 2FA and regularly change passwords to log into Steam and on trading platforms.
- Choose reliable platforms. Use services such as Scamadviser and Trustpilot to assess the security of the trading platform and read reviews from real users.
- Check trading partners. This may take a little more time, but it is better to check the Steam profile and transaction history of the user with whom you plan to conduct transactions, especially expensive ones. Also, use the CS2 (CS:GO) inventory price checker to evaluate skins.
- Double-check the details of the exchange. At each stage of the operation, check the details, including the partner’s Steam ID, skin, and features such as rarity and float value.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Scam?
If you have been scammed while trading skins, you should do the following as soon as possible:
- If you have access to your Steam account, change its password and the email address to which the account is linked.
- Revoke your API key. This is necessary to prevent third parties from using your data in the future.
- Report the scam to Steam support staff. They may be able to help you return the skins or protect your account from further losses.
- Reset your Steam trading URL. This will also prevent additional troubles.
- Deauthorize all Steam guard devices. Use your primary mobile device to sign in to Manage Steam Guard and deauthorize all devices except the one you are using.
Wrapping It Up
The activity of scammers in CS2 skin trading is certainly not a reason to abandon this interesting and profitable activity. To avoid scams, it is important to be careful and attentive at every stage of transactions. Updating login data for game accounts will also help reduce risks.