What is Steam's policy on returning scammed items/gifts?

Steam will not return any items or gifts that you feel have been traded unfairly. There are no exceptions to this policy. All trades are final. If you were scammed, you may report this scam to Steam Support so that action may be taken against the scammer.

Why will Steam not return items that were scammed?

During the trade process, Steam asks you to confirm your trade multiple times. It is your responsibilty to review the items that you are trading. You first confirm the trade by checking the box that states, "Check this box when ready to trade". Once checked, you cannot add any items to the trade. If you remove an item you will have to re-check the box to confirm that you are ready. Once both users in the trade have checked this box, the final confirmation button will turn green. Both users must click this button to complete the trade. A log of the trade is also kept in a separate chat box within the trade window.

What do I do if I was scammed?

If you are scammed, please contact Steam Support and create a ticket within the Steam Trading Category. You will not receive any items or gifts lost in the trade, however reporting the scammer will allow us to take appropriate action. Please include as much information about the trade as possible. Some helpful questions to answer in your report are:

How were you scammed?

What items/gifts were involved in the trade?

What is the user's Steam Community profile URL or SteamID that you traded with?

What were the terms of the trade agreed upon?

What is the approximate date and time of the trade?

What should I not trade for?

Do not trade for anything that cannot be added into the trade window within Steam. The most common examples of these scenerios are the following:

Trading items/gifts for money. You cannot add wallet credit or any form of money into the trade window. A common example of this is trading for items/gifts in return for money via PayPal.

Trading items/gifts for CD Keys. You cannot add a CD Key into the trade window. CD Keys that are offered can be for a different game, fake, used or region restricted. A common example of this trade is trading items/gifts in return for a promotional CD Key that is never given to you.

Trading items/gifts for nothing in return in the first trade and expecting to get an item or gift in a later trade. There is no reason to not trade everything in one trade. You may add unlimited items/gifts to a single trade. A common example of this is adding your items/gifts in one trade. Then the other user states that they will trade you their share or the rest of the items/gifts in another trade, but never do.

What are the best ways to verify a trade to avoid getting scammed?

Do not rush the trade. A common tactic by scammers is to force you to trade quickly so they can change items/gifts in the trade without you noticing. Take your time during the trade to avoid getting scammed.

Mouse over every item to ensure that the item/gift's properties are correct. Information about the item/gift will be stated here including the quality, name, description and any effects.

Pay attention to the trade log while making the trade. All changes, additons, removals and actions will be recorded in this box. You may also use it to communicate with the trader.

Do not trade items outside the trade window. If another user requests that you do, they will likely scam you. Always insist to trade within the trade window in Steam.

Ensure that you are trading with the correct user. Scammers may try to impersonate your friends and other trusted traders. It is your responsibility to know who you are trading with.





