Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) has been one of the most popular online multiplayer games for years. A big part of the CS:GO community revolves around CSGO trading skins—cosmetic items used to change the appearance of weapons in the game.
These skins can range from a few cents to hundreds of dollars, and some players take advantage of the trading system to make real money or to get cool, rare items.
However, with the rise of CS: GO trading, scams have also become more common. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to avoid scams in CS:GO trading and stay safe while having fun.
- Understand The Types Of CS:GO Scams
The first step in staying safe is knowing the common scams that exist. There are several types of scams in CS:GO trading, which all aim to trick you into losing valuable items or money. Let’s look at some of the most common ones:
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are when someone tries to trick you into giving up your account information, such as your Steam username and password. This can happen through fake websites, social media messages, or even Steam. Once they have your account details, they can steal your skins or sell your account.
Fake Trade Links
Scammers may send you a link that appears to be a Steam trade offer, but it’s a fake website designed to steal your login information. If you click on a fake link and enter your Steam details, the scammer can take over your account.
Inventory Scams
Inventory scams usually happen when you’re trading skins and the scammer manipulates the trade window. They might offer you something that looks valuable, but once you accept the trade, they change the items at the last second, leaving you with a worthless item while they take your valuable skins.
Overpaying Scams
A scammer might offer to overpay your skins in exchange for a trade. They might ask you to send your item first or claim they will pay later. The scammer disappears once you send the item, leaving you with nothing.
- Protect Your Account
One of the best ways to avoid scams in CSGO betting is to protect your account and ensure no one can access it without your permission. Here are some critical steps to take:
Enable Steam Guard
Steam Guard is a security feature that protects your account by requiring a second code when you log in from a new device. This code is sent to your email or mobile phone, and it helps ensure that only you can access your account.
Make sure Steam Guard is enabled on your account. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from hackers.
Use a Strong Password
Avoid using common phrases or easy-to-guess combinations like your name or birthdate. Instead, create a complex password. The stronger your password, the harder it will be for someone to guess or hack it.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another important layer of security. It requires you to enter a unique code, usually sent to your phone, whenever you log into your account.
This extra step can make it much harder for scammers to gain access to your account, even if they manage to steal your password.
- Be Careful With Trade Offers
One of the main ways scammers try to trick you is by sending fake trade offers. Here’s how you can stay safe:
Check the Items
Always double-check the items being offered in a trade. Scammers may deceive you by providing items similar to high-value skins but worth very little. If you’re not sure about the value of an item, take the time to look it up on third-party websites like CS: GO Float or SkinBaron to verify its worth.
Don’t Accept Offers from Strangers
If you’re unfamiliar with the person sending you a trade offer, proceed cautiously. Scammers often try to approach players they don’t know, hoping they’ll accept a scam offer out of trust or excitement. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t accept the trade.
Use the Steam Community Market
Instead of relying on private trades, you can use the Steam Community Market to buy and sell skins. It’s a safe and trusted platform where you don’t have to worry about scams. It also guarantees that the transaction will happen as described.
- Avoid Clicking On Suspicious Links
Scammers often try to trick you into clicking on malicious links. These can lead to fake websites that steal your account information. Here’s how to avoid clicking on dangerous links:
Don’t Trust Direct Messages from Strangers
Never click on links sent to you by people you don’t know, even if they seem friendly or sound like someone you recognize. Scammers often pretend to be your friends or other players to trick you into clicking on their links.
Verify Links Before Clicking
If someone sends you a link, hover your mouse over it to see the real URL. Don’t click if the link looks suspicious or doesn’t match the official website.
- Use Trusted Trading Platforms
Many third-party trading websites like CSGO Rain.gg that are safe and reliable, but plenty of scammy ones exist. If you’re using an external platform to trade skins, be sure to do your research first. Look for user reviews and check how long the site has been around
Conclusion
CS: GO trading can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of the risks.
By understanding the common scams, protecting your account, and being careful with trades and links, you can enjoy trading safely without falling victim to scams.
Remember, always double-check items, use trusted platforms, and never share your login information with anyone.