Last reviewed September 2026 · How we research · Read the game's rules and enforcement summary first.
Understand the Main Risks
The Steam Subscriber Agreement says you may not sell or charge others for the right to use your account or otherwise transfer it. Players report temporary or permanent trade bans and removal of items after accepting scammed, stolen or fraudulently obtained items from third-party sites. Valve does not support those sites. See our Dota 2 buyer's guide.
How to Vet a Seller
Ask where items came from and how they are delivered. Look for independent reviews and a record in Dota 2 items specifically. Our Dota 2 vendor list shows category scores.
Safer Delivery Practices
Never share your Steam login. Item delivery should be a normal trade offer that you confirm in Steam Guard Mobile. For accounts, insist on a full handover of the email and phone tied to the account, then change credentials and enable Steam Guard.
Protect Your Payment Information
Use a payment with dispute rights and keep records. Do not dispute after delivery, since reversed payments are how items are later flagged as fraudulent.
Red Flags to Avoid
Items priced far below the Steam Market; requests for your login; offers to boost rank on your account; and unsolicited trade offers.
Step-by-Step Order Checklist
If you have weighed the rules and decided to go ahead, work through these steps in order. They reduce the avoidable risks; they do not make an order compliant with the game's terms.
- Compare item prices with the Steam Community Market first.
- Ask where the items or account came from.
- Never share your Steam login; keep Steam Guard Mobile on.
- Confirm every trade through Steam Guard.
- Pay with a method that allows disputes; do not dispute after delivery.
- After delivery, check trade and Market status and keep records.
What to Do After Delivery
Check your account's trade and Market status, enable Steam Guard Mobile and keep records. Understand that accepted items can be removed and that a trade ban can follow.
Lower-Risk Alternatives
Use the Steam Community Market or a direct trade, or earn items; see our items guide and leveling guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be trade banned for buying items?
Players report bans for accepting fraudulently obtained items; you are responsible for what you accept.
Can I sell my Steam account?
The Steam Subscriber Agreement says you may not transfer it.
Is a boost on my account allowed?
It requires sharing your login, which is not allowed.
