Online users reported witnessing a Steam gift card scam circulating in January 2025 — a matter becoming a growing problem for gamers on the popular platform. This scam typically involves messages from friends that appear trustworthy but lead unsuspecting users into a phishing trap. The deceptive link in these messages looks legitimate, often showing a Steam-branded URL like steamcommunity.com, but when copied or clicked, it redirects to an is.gd shortlink that leads to a fake Steam website. Scammers aim to steal login credentials or financial details from unsuspecting gamers. This article dives deep into the details of this scam, shedding light on how it works and how to avoid falling victim.

Editor’s Note: I utilized ChatGPT and Google Gemini in writing this article. Scammers use AI to scam people. It’s time we use AI to bust their scams.

How the Steam Gift Card Scam Works

The Steam gift card scam starts with a message that seems to come from a trusted friend on Steam or Discord. The message promises a $50 Steam gift card with a link that appears legitimate at first glance. However, the true nature of the link becomes clear upon further inspection. When users hover over or copy the link, they discover it redirects to an is.gd shortlink instead of an official Steam URL. This redirection leads to a fake Steam website designed to trick victims into entering their login details.

A Reddit user named Sir0cks shared their experience with this scam in a detailed post on the r/scams subreddit on January 25, 2025. They described receiving a suspicious message from an online friend they hadn’t spoken to in weeks. The message included a link for a “Steam gift 50$” card. Sir0cks immediately became suspicious, reported the link on Discord, and discovered the true masked URL. They suspected their friend’s account had been hacked and shared their story to warn others.

Identifying Key Signs of the Scam

One telltale sign of the Steam gift card scam is the improper formatting of the dollar amount in the above photo. In this case, the message read “Steam gift 50$” instead of the correct format of “$50.” This minor detail often indicates a scam. Additionally, the fake link’s display text mimicked a legitimate Steam URL, such as steamcommunity.com/gift-card/pay/50, but redirected to an is.gd shortlink.

Another clue lies in the timing and context of the message. As Sir0cks mentioned in their Reddit post:

Situation: An online friend I made a few months ago sent me a message today on discord out of the blue. The message had no preface or actual message. She just sent a Steam Gift Card Link stating that I will receive a $50 steam gift card. I was immediately suspicious of the link so I reported it on Discord and when I reported it, it revealed the actual masked link. The masked link is in the title and again in the screenshot. I suspect she fell for the scam and it automatically sent it to people in her friends list or perhaps she is trying to scam me. I received the message randomly and unprompted, it had been about 2 weeks (Jan. 11, 2024) since our last conversation and she sent that message today (Jan. 25, 2025). I hope this post will help raise awareness to fellow gamers or anyone who uses Discord or Steam. I suspect this link doesn’t lead to an actual website, but instead downloads a virus to your PC. I don’t know how scams work so that’s another reason why I’m posting here. Perhaps someone can share some insight.

Community Reactions and Insights

The Reddit post sparked a discussion among users, many of whom shared similar experiences and provided additional information. User Best-Perception-694 commented, “Her account was hacked,” to which Sir0cks replied, “Yes, that was also my conclusion. I hope she’s okay. Would you happen to know if I was also correct on my assumption about the link downloading a virus vs. sending the person who clicked on it to a separate website? Also, thank you for your responses!” Another user, Memebaut, clarified, “That link sends you to a page impersonating the Steam website which asks you to put in your Steam login details, that’s how they got them.”

Why the Steam Gift Card Scam is Effective

This scam preys on trust and familiarity. By using hacked accounts to send messages, scammers make their attempts appear credible. Friends are more likely to trust messages from known contacts and may click the link without hesitation. The scam’s design also exploits users’ lack of technical knowledge. Many victims may not know how to verify links or recognize phishing attempts.

The use of a shortlink, such as is.gd, adds another layer of deception. Shortlinks obscure the destination URL, making it harder for users to identify fake websites. Once victims land on the counterfeit Steam page, they are prompted to enter their login credentials. These details are then stolen and used to access the victim’s account, potentially leading to financial losses or further exploitation.

Protecting Yourself from the Steam Gift Card Scam

To avoid falling victim to the Steam gift card scam, follow these tips:

1. Verify Links Before Clicking: Always hover over links to check their actual destination. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click.
2. Report Suspicious Messages: Platforms like Steam and Discord allow users to report phishing attempts. Reporting helps protect others.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can prevent unauthorized access, even if your credentials are stolen.
4. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with common scam tactics, such as shortlinks and phishing pages.
5. Use Antivirus Software: Reliable antivirus programs can help detect and block malicious websites.

Final Thoughts

The Steam gift card scam highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age. By staying informed and cautious, gamers can protect themselves and their accounts from phishing attempts. Remember to scrutinize unsolicited messages, especially those promising free rewards or gifts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For further reading, I previously reported the facts about a scam involving a product named Nagano Tonic.

Protect Yourself: Avoiding Common Scams in 2025

Gift card scams are a troubling example of how scammers exploit trust and urgency to trick victims. However, they’re just one piece of a larger puzzle. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of scams targeting consumers today and provide actionable tips to recognize and avoid them. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim.

1. Online Shopping Scams

With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Scammers create fake websites or social media ads offering too-good-to-be-true deals on popular products. Victims often pay for items that never arrive or receive counterfeit goods instead.

How to Avoid:

• Shop only on trusted websites. Look for “https” in the URL and verify the site’s authenticity.
• Read reviews from multiple sources. Avoid relying solely on testimonials featured on the seller’s website.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards for additional fraud protection.

Learn More: FTC’s Guide to Online Shopping Scams

2. Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing scams involve fraudulent messages designed to steal your personal or financial information. These messages often appear to come from trusted entities like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.

How to Avoid:

• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or texts.
• Verify the sender’s email address and watch for typos or generic greetings.
• Contact the company directly using a verified phone number if you’re unsure.

Learn More: Microsoft’s Tips on Avoiding Phishing Scams

3. Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams trick victims into believing their computer has a virus. Scammers pose as representatives from companies like Microsoft or Apple and charge for fake “repairs.”

How to Avoid:

• Never grant remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers.
• Be skeptical of pop-ups warning about viruses.
• Install and update reliable antivirus software.

Learn More: AARP’s Guide to Tech Support Scams

4. Romance Scams

Romance scammers prey on emotions by building fake relationships online. Once trust is established, they request money for emergencies, travel, or other fabricated reasons.

How to Avoid:

• Be cautious when interacting with people you meet on dating platforms.
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Perform reverse image searches on profile pictures to check for duplicates.

Learn More: FBI’s Romance Scam Advisory

5. Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

These scams claim you’ve won a prize but require payment for fees or taxes upfront. In reality, no legitimate lottery asks for money to claim winnings.

How to Avoid:

• Ignore unsolicited notifications of winnings.
• Never share personal information with unknown sources.
• Verify official sweepstakes directly through their official websites.

Learn More: Consumer Reports on Sweepstakes Scams

6. Imposter Scams

Scammers pose as trusted individuals or institutions, such as government officials, law enforcement, or utility companies. They use threats or urgent demands to pressure victims into paying money.

How to Avoid:

• Verify the identity of the caller or sender independently.
• Don’t pay by gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Contact the institution directly using verified contact details.

Learn More: USA.gov’s Information on Imposter Scams

7. Employment Scams

Fake job offers promise high salaries for minimal effort. Scammers request personal information, payment for training materials, or upfront fees.

How to Avoid:

• Research the company’s reputation online.
• Be cautious of offers that require upfront payments.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information until a formal job offer is made.

Learn More: Better Business Bureau’s Employment Scam Insights

8. Investment Scams

These scams promise guaranteed high returns with little or no risk. Common examples include Ponzi schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and fake investment platforms.

How to Avoid:

• Be wary of investments that sound too good to be true.
• Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
• Verify investment opportunities through trusted regulatory bodies like the SEC.

Learn More: SEC’s Investor Alerts and Bulletins

9. Fake Charity Scams

Scammers exploit your goodwill by creating fake charities, especially after natural disasters or crises.

How to Avoid:

• Research charities through platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
• Avoid donating through unsolicited calls or emails.
• Use credit cards for donations instead of cash or wire transfers.

Learn More: Charity Navigator’s Scam Prevention Tips

10. Fake Product Reviews

Scammers flood review platforms with fabricated positive reviews to mislead consumers into purchasing low-quality or fake products.

How to Avoid:

• Look for verified purchase badges on reviews.
• Use third-party review sites for additional feedback.
• Check for overly generic or repetitive language in reviews.

Learn More: NPR’s Coverage on Fake Reviews

General Tips for Avoiding Scams

1. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
2. Stay Educated: Follow reputable sources like the FTC or BBB to stay updated on new scams.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can prevent unauthorized access.
4. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
5. Report Scams: Notify authorities or organizations like the FTC to help prevent others from being victimized.

Conclusion

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but by staying informed and vigilant, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Bookmark this article as a reference and share it with others to spread awareness. Together, we can make it harder for scammers to succeed.

Editor’s Note: I utilized ChatGPT and Google Gemini in writing this article. Scammers use AI to scam people. It’s time we use AI to bust their scams.