THE KEY POINT
Review the actual offer, even when the conversation or profile looks familiar.
01
Read the offer as a new request
Steam’s recommended trading practices say to verify the trading partner and keep the complete item exchange in a single offer. Its trading interface does not transfer money or CD keys. An off-platform promise is not something the Steam trade window can enforce.
- Compare the account in the offer with the recipient you intended.
- Inspect the item name, condition, quantity and any relevant attributes.
- Look through the entire offer, rather than only its first few items.
- If the offer changes, start the review again.
02
Treat the final screen as a separate check
Before confirming, compare what is on the final screen with your own record of the intended exchange. Stop if the recipient, contents or explanation differs. You do not need to resolve a confusing request under time pressure.
For an offer associated with another service, open your own account on that service through its normal address. A message from an unfamiliar profile is not proof that the service sent the offer.
03
Keep a useful receipt
After an exchange, keep its reference, timestamp and item list. If the next step fails, those details let you describe one specific event to support rather than relying on a profile nickname or a cropped image.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE
Quick checklist
- Recipient checked.
- Every item reviewed.
- Final confirmation matches the intended exchange.
Official sources
Read the official documents below for the service’s rules and account instructions.
Need the details for a particular website?
The code directory records each partner’s code, referral method and offer status. Use the relevant partner page when your question also involves one of those details.
Partner pages may include affiliate links. A listing does not confirm a reward or account eligibility.