Scams
Ongoing coverage on Scams.
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Physical Steam Gift Cards Are Being Killed Off Due To Rampant Scammers
Valve is discontinuing the distribution of physical Steam gift cards due to rampant scams, with retailers expected to run out of stock by 2026. The company has attempted various anti-scam measures but found them ineffective. Digital gift cards will continue to be available, and existing physical cards will remain valid.
Valve will stop selling Steam gift cards at retailers over scam concerns
Valve is phasing out physical Steam gift cards sold at retailers due to concerns over scams, with the last cards expected to go out of stock by the end of 2026. While physical cards will no longer be restocked, existing ones will continue to be honored. Digital gift cards purchased directly through the Steam storefront will remain available.
Physical Steam gift cards are being ended by Valve because scammers keep using them to trick people
Valve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards due to their frequent use by scammers to defraud individuals. Despite various implemented restrictions and warnings, scammers have continued to adapt, leading Valve to make the decision to end the retail gift card program. Physical gift cards currently in stock are expected to sell out by the end of 2026, after which digital gift cards will be the only option.
Steam's tired of gift card scams, so it's killing them off for good
Valve is discontinuing the sale of Steam gift cards at retail stores due to ongoing scams. Despite implementing various preventative measures since 2012, scammers continue to exploit the untraceable nature of gift cards to defraud customers. The company expects gift cards to exit circulation by the end of 2026, though unredeemed cards will remain usable.
Valve won't let retailers stock physical Steam gift cards anymore because "scammers have adapted" to whatever security measures they've tried
Valve has decided to discontinue the sale of physical Steam gift cards in retail stores due to ongoing issues with scammers adapting to security measures. While digital gift cards will remain available, the cessation of physical cards means an end to using trade-in credit for gift cards and limits options for purchasing Steam currency. Valve expects existing stock to be depleted by the end of 2026.
Valve to no longer offer physical gift cards due to scammers
Valve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards due to ongoing issues with scammers who exploit them. While current stock will be sold off, Valve will not be restocking retailers and expects them to be out of stock by the end of 2026. Digital Steam gift cards will remain available.
Meta took down over a million scam accounts in joint operation with Microsoft, SpaceX and DOJ
Meta, in collaboration with Microsoft, SpaceX, Coinbase, the Department of Justice, and international law enforcement, has taken down over a million scam accounts. The operation specifically targeted scam networks operating in Southeast Asia.
How To Get Free Xbox Game Pass Codes: Legit Methods, Safety Tips, And Tricks For 2026
This guide details legitimate methods for obtaining free Xbox Game Pass codes, focusing on official Microsoft promotions, retail bundles, and loyalty programs. It also provides safety tips to avoid scams, such as avoiding sites that request passwords or payments, and advises on how to maximize trial periods and family sharing for extended access.
Morning Safety Dance
Microsoft 365 Copilot has successfully passed another AI security audit. The article also highlights how scammers are exploiting real hotel reservations to conduct spear-phishing attacks.
Evening Safety Dance
This article discusses a Verizon scam that exploits app alerts to defraud users of up to $1,500. It also touches on security issues with Tor Browser's 'New Identity' feature and advises against paying ransoms to VECT.
The FTC says Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025
Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, an eightfold increase since 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Investment and shopping scams were prevalent, with Facebook being the primary platform, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram. The FBI also reported significant losses to internet-related crimes, including cryptocurrency and AI scams.
Meta has misled users about scam ads on Facebook and Instagram, lawsuit says
Meta is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit filed by the Consumer Federation of America, alleging the company misled users about scam advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims Meta prioritized profits over user safety by allowing high-risk advertisers and charging them more, rather than removing them. Meta denies these allegations, stating they aggressively combat scams and removed over 159 million scam ads last year.
How to buy a used graphics card: spotting scams and dodging duds in the memory shortage crisis
This guide provides advice on purchasing used graphics cards amidst memory shortages and high prices. It covers how to identify scams, check for hardware degradation from mining or AI use, and verify seller trustworthiness on platforms like eBay and Jawa. The article emphasizes due diligence, inspecting physical condition, and testing the card promptly after purchase to ensure a reliable component.
Grow A Garden Old Servers – Are They Legit?
Players of Grow A Garden on Roblox are warned against offers of access to older, unupdated servers, as these are not legitimate. According to the game's community manager, Roblox automatically updates all servers, making it impossible for legacy versions to exist. Individuals claiming to offer access to old servers are attempting to scam players out of money, Robux, or account information.
PS Store Users Warned Against New Scam Game Amid Crackdown
PlayStation 5 users are being warned about a new scam game, SWAT Commander Simulator, which has appeared in the PS Store Demos section. The game, published by Tetyana Vysochanska, is a clone of a PC title and has evaded Sony's recent crackdown on low-quality shovelware. Players are advised to be cautious, especially if a full-priced version is released.
If you were scammed by malware hiding in your Steam games, the FBI wants to hear all about it
The FBI is seeking information from individuals who have been victims of malware distributed through games on the Steam platform. Several specific games, including BlockBlasters and Tokenova, have been identified as sources of malware that operated between May 2024 and January 2026, with some instances leading to significant financial loss through cryptocurrency theft.
Evening Legal Briefs
Meta is collaborating with law enforcement to combat scams using AI technology. Separately, the studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has dropped legal action against L'Académie Clair-Obscur comic.
CS2 Players Getting Wrecked by Fake Steam Workshop Scams
Counter-Strike 2 players are being targeted by sophisticated scams that use fake Steam Workshop pages to steal login credentials. These sites meticulously replicate the appearance of legitimate Workshop pages, including skin previews and voting buttons, to trick users into entering their Steam login details. The scam exploits the value of in-game items and the community's tendency to support creators, highlighting the need for players to verify URLs and question login requests.
Warning: Someone Is Impersonating Me On Twitch, Do Not Fall For It
A gaming criticism platform owner is warning users about an impersonator on Twitch using their website logo and name to run a scam. The imposter attempted to trick a Helldivers 2 streamer into a fake growth case study. The owner urges users to report the impersonator and be vigilant against online scams.
WARNING: Scam Text Message " Use to complete PAYMENT at ASDA "
This article warns readers about a scam text message impersonating ASDA payment confirmations. The message, which includes a fake payment amount and a contact number, is identified as a scam. Readers are advised not to reply, to block the number, and to be vigilant against similar fraudulent messages regarding payments, deliveries, or family contact.
