Recognizing Common Scammer Tactics
In the world of online gaming, especially in a trade-heavy title like Path of Exile 2, scammers are constantly evolving their methods to exploit unsuspecting players. One of the most common tricks involves the classic “item swap” during trade. A scammer will show you a high-value item, then quickly swap it for a lookalike with inferior stats before you confirm the trade. Another tactic includes underpricing or overpricing trades using misleading item names or altered gems that look valuable but are low level or corrupted. Awareness is your first line of defense. Double-check item names, item levels, and socket colors before clicking accept on any trade.
Always Use Verified Trade Platforms
When trading with other players, use only trusted and verified platforms such as the official POE trade website or trade services that are integrated into the game client. External third-party sites should be avoided unless they are well-known in the community, such as U4GM, which maintains a reputation for reliable FC 26 Coins and item services. These platforms provide safeguards and reputational tracking to ensure a safer trade environment. Random trade offers or messages from unknown players in chat channels should always be treated with caution, especially if they rush you or promise deals that sound too good to be true.
Avoid Trust Trades and “Middleman” Scams
One of the most dangerous scam types in the game is the so-called “trust trade.” A player might ask you to lend currency or an item temporarily with the promise of returning it after a favor is done or a service is rendered. This should be avoided entirely. Similarly, middleman scams involve a third party who is supposedly there to help both sides complete a secure trade, but in reality, they disappear with both the currency and the item. Always trade directly with the person you are dealing with and only in-game using the secure trade window. Never drop items on the ground, even in a private instance.
Use Currency Tabs and Secure Stash Management
Protecting your currency also means storing it wisely. Currency Tabs, which are available in the in-game shop, provide excellent organizational features and reduce the chance of mistakenly giving away the wrong currency. When your items are scattered or you’re rushing, it’s easy to make mistakes. Group your currencies by value, and keep your high-tier orbs in a separate stash tab. When doing multiple trades, prepare exact amounts beforehand rather than retrieving from your stash mid-trade, which reduces exposure time and the risk of misclicks or swaps.
Enable Trade Confirmations and Check Trade Logs
The in-game trade window has a confirmation screen and chat log that can be useful in avoiding scams. Always take a second to review the trade details before clicking accept. POE’s interface allows both players to hover over and inspect each item or currency stack being traded. Take your time and never let anyone rush you. If you suspect something is wrong, cancel the trade and reassess. If a scam does occur, take screenshots and report the user through the game’s official channels. This helps protect others and may aid in account recovery if needed.