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Steam Account Recovery: What to Do If Hacked

Is your account at risk? Act quickly. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do.

Indicators That Your Account Has Been Hacked

• Unable to access (password altered)
• Unfamiliar trade confirmations
• Items missing from your inventory
• Unusual messages sent from your account
• Login alerts from unfamiliar locations
• Emails regarding password/email modifications you didn’t authorize

Immediate Steps (If You Can Still Access Your Account)

1. Update your password – Do this immediately
2. Revoke your API key – Find it here
3. Remove authorized devices – Navigate to Settings → Security → Deauthorize all
4. Cancel ongoing trades – Reject any trades you didn’t start
5. Secure your email – Update that password as well

If You Are Unable to Log In

Step 1: Attempt Password Recovery

1. Visit Steam Support
2. Select I can’t sign in
3. Input your account name or email
4. Follow through the password recovery instructions

Step 2: Recover Your Account

If your email has been altered:

1. Access Steam Support
2. Click on I need help with my account
3. Select I can’t sign in
4. Choose My account was stolen
5. Submit proof of ownership

Proof of Ownership

Prepare these documents before reaching out to support:

• Product codes you have activated
• Transaction receipts (Steam purchases)
• Credit card details used on your account
• Previous passwords
• Screenshots of any correspondence with support

Post-Recovery Actions

Essential Security Measures

1. ✅ Create a new, strong password
2. ✅ Activate Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator
3. ✅ Revoke/check your API key
4. ✅ Audit and remove any unauthorized devices
5. ✅ Review authorized applications/websites
6. ✅ Check family library sharing configurations

Assessing Potential Damage

1. Inventory – List any missing items
2. Trade history – Record stolen items
3. Friends list – Look for any removals
4. Market history – Note any unauthorized sales
5. Wallet – Check for missing funds

Reporting Issues to Steam

Report Missing Items

1. Access Steam Support
2. Select Trades
3. Click on Items I traded or sent are missing
4. Provide relevant details from your trade history

Note: Steam typically does not restore stolen items. They may make exceptions for first-time victims occasionally, but it’s not guaranteed.

Report the Offender

1. Visit the scammer’s profile
2. Click … → Report
3. Choose the correct violation type
4. Submit any supporting evidence

Preventing Future Account Compromises

Essential Measures

• ✅ Use a unique password for Steam
• ✅ Use a unique password for your email
• ✅ Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
• ✅ Never share your login information
• ✅ Be wary of all links

Regular Maintenance

• Check your login history weekly
• Ensure your API key is not active
• Examine trades carefully before acceptance
• Utilize a password manager

For comprehensive safety, refer to our account security guide.

How Accounts Get Hacked

Learn from past incidents to avoid future issues:

• Phishing – Deceptive login pages
• Malware – Keyloggers and data stealers
• Reused credentials – Breaches from other sites
• Social engineering – Manipulated into disclosing information
• API key theft – Manipulation through trades

Helpful Resources

• Steam Support
• Check if Your Email is in Breaches
• SteamRep (verify scammer status)