This is a simple guideline on how to not get scammed


1. If possible, always do 1:1 trading. Don't give someone an item in return for a promise to repay you later. If you're trading with Steam items only, put all items into the trade offer.

2. Don't trust any website. You can put a domain name into the site scamadviser.com to see if the website can be trusted. Usually, if the website is no older than a month, don't trust it. Even if it has an overall safety rating on more than 70%, it might still be a scam site. Don't deposit money or items to any websites that you don't trust 100%.

3. If you're trading with non-Steam items, don't go first unless you absolutely trust the person you're trading with. Always check up his reputation on sites like steamrep and steamtrades. Many +reps on his Steam profile doesn't mean a thing; there are entire groups meant for 'rep for rep'.

4. Know the basic 'rules' of trading. A user with a VAC ban is unable to trade TF2 items and/or CS:GO items etc. etc.

5. Use the Steam Mobile Authenticator App. You'll have a hard time finding someone to trade with if you don't use the app for trade verification. If you don't have the app, all trades will be held by Steam for 15 days.

6. If a user has a private inventory, but a link to a storage, don't trust him. Just don't. Always insist on doing 1:1 trading, never send your item in promise of his item shortly after.