According to Gabe Follower, a well-known CS2 data-miner, the game’s code files indicate that Valve wants to add a new protection layer to CS2 skins.
The feature is called Trade Protection and it might prevent users from trading or modifying skins for a given period of time after acquiring them.
This is not the first measure Valve has introduced to protect players from scammers. Currently, several other mechanisms exist.
1. Trade Lock
One of the primary protection features introduced by Valve is the Trade Lock. When a player acquires an item, whether through a purchase, drop, or trade, that item is temporarily locked for a period of time (usually 7 days).
This prevents players from immediately trading or selling the item, offering a safeguard against scams or fraudulent trades. The trade lock ensures that a player has had sufficient time to review the item and make sure it’s legitimate before they trade it away.
2. Steam Market Restrictions
Valve has also set restrictions on the Steam Market to prevent fraudulent transactions. Items listed on the market are often subject to price checks and require confirmation to avoid market manipulation.
Additionally, players must use Steam’s built-in protections, such as the Steam Guard mobile authenticator, to ensure that trades are secure and that unauthorized third parties cannot make transactions using a player’s account.
3. Scammer Prevention and Reporting
Valve has implemented robust systems for detecting and penalizing players involved in scamming. Players can report suspicious activity directly through the Steam platform.
Once flagged, Valve investigates the situation and enforces penalties, including account bans or trade bans for repeat offenders.
4. Escrow System
Valve also uses an Escrow System for items traded between players, which holds items in a neutral status during a trade. This reduces the risk of scamming, as both parties must confirm the transaction before it is finalized.
These protective measures provide players with the peace of mind that their in-game items are safe from theft and fraud in CS2.
