Why Would Someone Want Me to Buy a Steam Card? Look Out for Scams
As an avid PC gamer and Steam enthusiast, I‘ve seen firsthand how scammers target these popular prepaid cards to extort money from unsuspecting victims. The number one reason a stranger may ask you to buy Steam cards is to pull off a scam.
While Steam cards are great for buying games or sending as gifts to friends, an out-of-the-blue request should raise alarms. Scammers often exploit the anonymity and liquidity of these cards for criminal payoffs.
The Most Common Steam Card Scam Tactics
Cybercriminals constantly invent new ploys to coerce victims into buying Steam cards for them. According to 2022 FBI data, gift card scams rose by a massive 105% in the past 3 years as scammers gravitate towards the convenience of card payments.
Some of the most prevalent schemes I’ve seen targeting Steam users include:
Romance Scams
The scammer pretends to be romantically interested in the victim online and tricks them into purchasing Steam cards to help with supposed financial troubles.
- In one heartbreaking case, a woman sent $38,000 in Steam codes to a fake soldier she met online who was supposedly stranded abroad without access to his bank account.
Tech Support Scams
These tech scammers cold call victims and convince them that their computer has a virus. They instruct them to buy Steam cards to pay for antivirus software or technical support services that are completely fake.
- Losses from tech support scams exceeded $150 million in 2021 according to the FTC, making it one of the costliest online frauds.
| Scam Type | % Increase Since 2018 | Average Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Romance Scams | 80% | $7,500 |
| Tech Support Scams | 131% | $1,200 |
As you can see, these criminals can be extremely manipulative and the financial impacts add up fast.
When Are Steam Cards Requests Legitimate?
Of course, not all Steam card requests point to illegal schemes. There are a few normal situations where an acquaintance may ask you for a Steam gift:
- Friends or family without credit cards asking to cover game purchases
- Teenagers hoping to buy a new video game
- Avid CS:GO skin traders cashing out inventories
- Those selling digital in-game items or accounts for real money
However, these requests generally come from people you already know well, along with some context around their card needs.
What separates the scammers from genuine contacts is their aggressive tactics pushing victims into buying cards without reasonable explanations why. They also tend to appear suddenly from the web requesting large denominations.
How Can You Spot Suspicious Steam Card Requests?
While cleverly disguised, most scammers leave clues about their true intentions if you know which red flags to watch out for:
Questionable Profile Details
Does their profile seem fake or copied? Generic images and too-good-to-be-true details often indicate a scam.
Aggressive Demands
Scammers try to intimidate victims with threats of lawsuits or other consequences if cards aren‘t bought quickly.
Refusing Other Payment Methods
When pressed, scammers generally insist on Steam cards over other options since they can be quickly redeemed.
Appearing Out of Nowhere
Whether striking up a online friendship or posing as tech support, scams usually start with an unsolicited contact.
Protect Yourself – Stay One Step Ahead
The golden rule is never to provide any sensitive information or payments to strangers asking for Steam cards out of the blue. These requests overwhelmingly point towards criminality rather than legitimate needs.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a Steam card scam, make sure to report it on Steam so the user account can be banned. Reach out to your bank as well about refund options. And don‘t hesitate to file complaints with agencies like the FTC to help authorities track down the scammers.
While Steam cards offer us gamers a convenient way to expand our libraries, we have to stay vigilant against those who try to exploit them. Stay safe out there!
