Valve Ditches Physical Steam Gift Cards Amidst Scammer Exploitation
Valve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards after 14 years due to persistent exploitation by scammers. Digital gift cards will remain available.
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Valve Discontinuing Physical Steam Gift Cards Because of Scammers
Valve is discontinuing the sale of physical Steam gift cards after 14 years due to persistent issues with scammers. Despite efforts to combat fraud, the company found it impossible to keep up with fraudulent schemes. Physical gift cards will cease production, and existing stock will be depleted by the end of 2026, with Valve exclusively offering digital gift cards through its storefront moving forward.
Danger Zone
Valve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards due to their misuse by scammers. The company cited instances where scammers used these cards to defraud individuals, such as tricking them into believing they needed to purchase gift cards to bail out relatives.
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.
