Valve to no longer offer physical gift cards due to scammers
GamingOnLinux • • technology
Key Points:
- Valve announced it will discontinue supplying physical Steam Wallet gift cards to retailers once current stock is depleted, with all stores expected to be out by the end of 2026, due to ongoing issues with scammers exploiting these cards.
- Physical Steam gift cards have been available since 2012, but despite multiple measures such as working with law enforcement and adding scam warnings, fraudsters have continued to impact customers.
- Valve will continue to offer digital Steam Gift Cards, including features like guest checkout, allowing users to send and receive gift cards electronically without physical cards.
- Existing physical Steam gift cards will remain redeemable on the platform according to local laws, even after retail sales end.
- The company is focusing on improving the digital gifting experience as part of its response to the persistent scam challenges associated with physical cards.