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What is an Item authentication scam?


PhoenixHeanix

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Item verification scams are one of the oldest scams in the book. Basically, user X says user Y's items may be "dirty" or "duped" and need to be verified. X says Y needs to trade them whatever items in question in order to "verify" their authenticity. Obviously, they run with the items. A lot of item verification scammers pose as middlemen or Steam/VALVe staff. 

 

These sorts of scams are incredibly cruel and take advantage of users who don't know any better. Some scammers will say that the victim's account is pending a ban or deletion if they don't "verify" their items. I'd strongly advise avoiding anyone who has ever done this. Rules aside, this user is obviously not trustworthy. What makes you think they aren't going to try to scam you next?

 

Trading with marked scammers can get you BANNED from backpack.tf in violation of the policy on trading with marked scammers.

Quote

- If a trader knowingly fails to meet these expectations and is found to intentionally trade with Steamrep-marked scammers, the ban will instantly be a permanent one. 

- If a trader is found to be regularly buying items from accounts banned on backpack.tf as a scammer, scammer alt, or scammer fence they may receive a ban even if those accounts are not marked on Steamrep.

- Brokering for a user who is site-banned for any reason will remain against the rules.

 

More reading on item verification and other scams: https://forums.steamrep.com/pages/about-item-checking-scam/

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As an addition to my previous reply, I found the account in question. They have -11 trust, and are a SteamRep marked scammer. DO NOT TRADE WITH THIS USER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Seriously, avoid this account at all costs, and get them off your friend's list.

 

For some tips, always check SteamRep.com before ever completing a trade (especially high-value ones). Also, don't add people with private backpacks. If someone is legit, they shouldn't have any issues with a public bp. Just please do not interact with this user.

 

I'd highly recommend reading the background check guide here on the forums and the guide to safe trading practices on the SteamRep forums

 

Hope this helps! Good luck!

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