Difference between revisions of "Scams"

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{{Quotation|'''The Engineer''' when asked to describe scammers in one word|Gutless.|sound= Engineer specialcompleted03.wav}}
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With the introduction of [[Trading|Trading]] in the [[Mann-Conomy Update]], players have been scamming and attempting to scam others in hopes of obtaining more items than deserved. Scams have always been an unwanted aspect in many games which feature a trading system.
  
{{Quotation|'''The Engineer''' when asked to describe scammers in one word|Gutless.|sound= Engineer specialcompleted03.wav}}
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'''''Note: Scamming is against Steam's Terms of Service and is a bannable offense.'''''
Since trading was made possible in the [[Mann-Conomy Update]], people have found ways to deceive others in trades. This lets them receive items that the victim would otherwise be unwilling to trade them. These scams are nothing new to games with item trading, and it is usually easy to avoid them with a bit of common sense. Bad trades and scamming are different. Just becasue you now regret a trade, this does not make it a scam. Scams can range from simple to elaborate, requiring two or more people to conspire.
 
  
 
==Notable Types of Scams==
 
==Notable Types of Scams==
The introduction of the [[trading]] system has brought with it several ways to "scam" people out of their items.
 
  
 
===Multiple Trade Transactions===
 
===Multiple Trade Transactions===
There are two versions of this scam
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There are two versions of this scam:
*A buyer offers to trade more than 8 [[hats]] or items. Once the first 8 have been traded, the seller leaves without competing the rest of the trade offer.
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* A buyer offers to trade more than eight [[Items]]. Once the first eight have been traded for the seller's item, the seller leaves without completing the rest of the trade offer.
*The seller offers one item for more than 8 items, and insists that the buyer trades 8 items first, then gets the item on the second transaction.
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* The seller offers one item for more than eight items, and insists that the buyer trades eight items first, then gets the item on the second transaction. The seller then leaves without completing the trade.
  
 
===Two-Man Scam===
 
===Two-Man Scam===
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This scam involves two players working in tandem. Player A says he/she wants to buy Item X and is willing to pay a higher price for it than most people would and ignores all trade requests. Player B says he/she is selling Item X for less than Player A is willing to pay for it. The two players ignore each others' offers.
  
This scam involves two players working in tandem. Player A spams a message in chat saying "Buying X item" usually "X Item" is an item with little worth, being bought for a very high price. (Ex. Buying Hatless Scout, will pay 3 hats)
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The objective of this scam is to make the victim think he can buy Item X from Player B and sell it immediately to Player A for a profit. Once the victim buys the item from Player B, Player A changes his/her mind and no longer wants the item or disconnects from the server.
Player A ignores all trade requests, and has Player B post a message saying "Selling X item"  (ex. Selling Hatless Scout for two hats)
 
 
 
The object of this scam is to make the victim think he can buy the item from Player B, and sell it immediately to Player A for a profit.
 
 
 
Once the victim buys the item from Player B, Player A appears to change his mind and no longer wants the item.
 
  
 
===Customization Services===
 
===Customization Services===
This scam involves the scammer offering to customize an Item for a player, such as [[paint]]ing or [[Name Tag|renaming]] a hat.
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This scam involves the scammer offering to customize an item for a player, such as [[Paint Can|painting]] or [[Name Tag|renaming]] it. The scammer either takes the item and doesn't return it or offers collateral which he believes is not worth as much as the item being offered for customization.  
 
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This scam also exists in the form of "Unboxing Services", where the scammer offers to unlock a player's [[Mann Co. Supply Crate]], and return the item inside.  
The Scammer either takes the item, and doesn't return it, or offers some sort of collateral that he believes is not worth as much as the item being offered for customization.
 
 
 
This scam also exists in the form of "Unboxing Services", where the scammer offers to unlock a player's [[Mann Co. Supply Crate|crate]], and return the item inside. The scammer can potentially steal an [[Rarity|unusual hat]], or other rare item this way.
 
  
Because [[key]]s and [[paint]]s are now tradable, it is recommended that you trade for the [[tool]], and then apply it yourself.
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''Note: [[Mann Co. Supply Crate Key]]s, [[Paint Can]]s, and other [[Tools]] are now tradable, it is recommended that you trade for the tool, and apply it yourself.''
  
==='Insurance' Scam===
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===Insurance Scam===
The scammer is willing to let you try out something you want, but wants an extremely valuable item in your backpack as 'insurance' claiming it is to make sure you do not run off with their item.
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An insurance scam involves the scammer allowing a player to test an item, but wants an exceedingly valued item in your backpack as collateral to ensure the player doesn't simply run off with his/her item. The scammer then doesn't return the item which is more valuable.
 
 
===Fake scam===
 
the scammer decides he wants to get a free item. He randomly trades the person and offers X amount more then what its worth. E.G. 3 hats for a Holy Mackerel. and the user reports them for scamming saying he said it was a rare item. This one is used often for people looking for free items.
 
  
 
==Obsolete Scams==
 
==Obsolete Scams==
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Changes to the trading window in the [[October 20, 2010 Patch]] have allowed players to see item rarity via the background color of the item's image, rendering the following scams null.
  
 
===Item Rarity Swap===
 
===Item Rarity Swap===
 
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For this scam to work, the scammer must have two items of different [[Rarity|rarities]]. The scammer first puts the higher rarity item in the trade window, so the buyer view it. Once the trade negotiations are finished and just before the trade is accepted, the scammer switches the higher rarity item for a lower rarity item.
For this scam to work, the scammer must have two of the same hat of a different [[rarity]]. The scammer first puts a vintage, or unusual hat in the trade window, so the buyer can see it. Once the trade negotiations are finished, and just before the trade is accepted, the scammer switches the vintage/unusual hat, for the non-vintage version of the same hat. This is very hard to notice since the item's image remains the same.
 
  
 
===Fake Rarity===
 
===Fake Rarity===
For this scam, a player renames a normal item with a prefix representing a higher rarity version of the same item. For example, renaming "Fancy Fedora" to "Unusual Fancy Fedora" and trying to trade it for a higher price.
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The Fake Rarity scam involves a player [[Name Tag|renaming]] an item with a prefix representing a higher rarity version of the same item. The scammer then trades the item with a false rarity for more than the item is worth.  
 
 
Changes to the trading window in the [[October 20, 2010 Patch]] have allowed players to see item rarity via the background color of the item's image, rendering this scam null.
 
  
 
==Avoiding Scams==
 
==Avoiding Scams==
Avoiding scams is as simple as using basic common sense, but there are some things you should always check before hitting "accept".
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Avoiding scams is easy when following a simple set of guidelines.
  
*Avoid multiple transactions, unless you absolutely trust the person you are trading with.
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*Avoid multiple transaction trades, unless you absolutely trust the person you are trading with.
 
**If you do make a multiple transaction trade, make sure it is well documented. Take screenshots of the negotiation conversations, to provide proof in case you get scammed.
 
**If you do make a multiple transaction trade, make sure it is well documented. Take screenshots of the negotiation conversations, to provide proof in case you get scammed.
 
***Please keep in mind that if you are the victim of a multiple transaction scam, and even if you have documented proof, you still may be unable to recover your items because you agreed to the trade.
 
***Please keep in mind that if you are the victim of a multiple transaction scam, and even if you have documented proof, you still may be unable to recover your items because you agreed to the trade.
**Another tip is to make sure you have items of equal value after every transaction step. Example: Guy asks for 12 keys for his unusual hat, you give him 8 keys and ask three of his vintage hats. On the next transaction, you give him additional 4 keys, plus his four vintage hats back for his unusual hat. This assures that even if the person leaves after the first trade, you didn't come from the transaction empty-handed. Your milage might vary regarding the value of items.
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**Another tip is to make sure you have items of equal value for each transaction. Example: Player A asks for 12 keys for one of his high valued items, Player B provides 8 keys and ask three of Player A's items valued at 8 keys. During the next transaction, Player B gives Player A the additional 4 keys plus the items valued at 8 keys for Player A's high valued item. This assures that even if Player A leaves after the first trade, Player B didn't walk away empty handed.
*Never trade something for nothing, even if they promise to give it back later.
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*Never give away an item on the other player's promise of returning it.
*Pay attention to the color of the items you are trading for. For example, if you are trading for a [[Rarity#Vintage items|Vintage item]] make sure the background color is blue. Refer to the [[rarity]] page for a list of item colors.
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*Pay attention to the background color of the items being traded, signifying [[Rarity]].
*When you or the person you are trading with changes any of the items you are trading the message "Offer is changing... Please wait" appears. If you see this message and it appears nothing has changed, check the items that you are being offered, as they may be different.
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*Always re-check items being traded after seeing the "Offer is changing... Please wait" message.
*Be careful when receiving items for free, as there have been cases of people 'giving away' items, and then later accusing the recipients of scamming them out of items.
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*Be cautious when receiving items for free, the other player may report you for scamming.
*Take your time when conducting a trade. If the other trader tries to rush you, do not give in to their pressure.
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*Take your time when conducting a trade. Don't give into the other player's pressure if they're pushing you to trade.
*If one person has an item you want doesn't mean they are the only player with that item. Do not be afraid to say "No!" if you have to.
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*There are many players with the same item you may be looking for, if it seems like a player is trying to scam you with the item, find someone else to trade with.
 
 
==Punishment==
 
If you have been scammed, you can file a steam ticket, and explain the situation. It helps to provide evidence of the scam, such as conversation logs of the negotiations, or screen shots/videos of the scammed transaction.
 
  
Scamming is a bannable offense.
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==Reporting Scammers==
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If you have been scammed, you can file a [http://support.steampowered.com/ Steam support ticket] and explain the situation. It helps to provide evidence of the scam, such as conversation logs of negotiations or screen shots/videos of the scammed transaction.

Revision as of 05:31, 9 November 2010

Gutless.
The Engineer when asked to describe scammers in one word

With the introduction of Trading in the Mann-Conomy Update, players have been scamming and attempting to scam others in hopes of obtaining more items than deserved. Scams have always been an unwanted aspect in many games which feature a trading system.

Note: Scamming is against Steam's Terms of Service and is a bannable offense.

Notable Types of Scams

Multiple Trade Transactions

There are two versions of this scam:

  • A buyer offers to trade more than eight Items. Once the first eight have been traded for the seller's item, the seller leaves without completing the rest of the trade offer.
  • The seller offers one item for more than eight items, and insists that the buyer trades eight items first, then gets the item on the second transaction. The seller then leaves without completing the trade.

Two-Man Scam

This scam involves two players working in tandem. Player A says he/she wants to buy Item X and is willing to pay a higher price for it than most people would and ignores all trade requests. Player B says he/she is selling Item X for less than Player A is willing to pay for it. The two players ignore each others' offers.

The objective of this scam is to make the victim think he can buy Item X from Player B and sell it immediately to Player A for a profit. Once the victim buys the item from Player B, Player A changes his/her mind and no longer wants the item or disconnects from the server.

Customization Services

This scam involves the scammer offering to customize an item for a player, such as painting or renaming it. The scammer either takes the item and doesn't return it or offers collateral which he believes is not worth as much as the item being offered for customization. This scam also exists in the form of "Unboxing Services", where the scammer offers to unlock a player's Mann Co. Supply Crate, and return the item inside.

Note: Mann Co. Supply Crate Keys, Paint Cans, and other Tools are now tradable, it is recommended that you trade for the tool, and apply it yourself.

Insurance Scam

An insurance scam involves the scammer allowing a player to test an item, but wants an exceedingly valued item in your backpack as collateral to ensure the player doesn't simply run off with his/her item. The scammer then doesn't return the item which is more valuable.

Obsolete Scams

Changes to the trading window in the October 20, 2010 Patch have allowed players to see item rarity via the background color of the item's image, rendering the following scams null.

Item Rarity Swap

For this scam to work, the scammer must have two items of different rarities. The scammer first puts the higher rarity item in the trade window, so the buyer view it. Once the trade negotiations are finished and just before the trade is accepted, the scammer switches the higher rarity item for a lower rarity item.

Fake Rarity

The Fake Rarity scam involves a player renaming an item with a prefix representing a higher rarity version of the same item. The scammer then trades the item with a false rarity for more than the item is worth.

Avoiding Scams

Avoiding scams is easy when following a simple set of guidelines.

  • Avoid multiple transaction trades, unless you absolutely trust the person you are trading with.
    • If you do make a multiple transaction trade, make sure it is well documented. Take screenshots of the negotiation conversations, to provide proof in case you get scammed.
      • Please keep in mind that if you are the victim of a multiple transaction scam, and even if you have documented proof, you still may be unable to recover your items because you agreed to the trade.
    • Another tip is to make sure you have items of equal value for each transaction. Example: Player A asks for 12 keys for one of his high valued items, Player B provides 8 keys and ask three of Player A's items valued at 8 keys. During the next transaction, Player B gives Player A the additional 4 keys plus the items valued at 8 keys for Player A's high valued item. This assures that even if Player A leaves after the first trade, Player B didn't walk away empty handed.
  • Never give away an item on the other player's promise of returning it.
  • Pay attention to the background color of the items being traded, signifying Rarity.
  • Always re-check items being traded after seeing the "Offer is changing... Please wait" message.
  • Be cautious when receiving items for free, the other player may report you for scamming.
  • Take your time when conducting a trade. Don't give into the other player's pressure if they're pushing you to trade.
  • There are many players with the same item you may be looking for, if it seems like a player is trying to scam you with the item, find someone else to trade with.

Reporting Scammers

If you have been scammed, you can file a Steam support ticket and explain the situation. It helps to provide evidence of the scam, such as conversation logs of negotiations or screen shots/videos of the scammed transaction.