How to Avoid Getting Scammed While Trading in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 is an exciting and complex game, but its open economy can be a double-edged sword. Trading items and currency with other players is essential to progressing in the game, but it also opens the door for scams. Over the years, I’ve seen countless players share their painful experiences of getting scammed—stories that often play out in the same frustrating way. It’s time we take a deeper look at how to protect yourself and your hard-earned items when trading in PoE 2.

Common Scams in PoE 2: What to Watch Out For

When it comes to trading in Path of Exile 2, there are a few scams that seem to be the go-to tactics for dishonest players. They might seem subtle at first, but once you know the red flags, you can avoid falling for them. Here's a breakdown of the most common scams I've seen players fall victim to:

1. The "Fake Price" Scam

One of the most classic scams involves a seller offering an item at an insanely good price. The deal seems too good to be true—because it is. These scammers will often set the price in a way that makes you think you’re getting an incredible deal. For example, they might list a high-demand item for just a few Chaos Orbs, but when you try to trade, they change the price last minute, demanding far more than the listed value.

How to Avoid It:

• Always double-check the trade before accepting. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Be suspicious of players who make deals that drastically undercut the market price.
• If you’re ever unsure, take a moment to check trade websites or PoE forums for up-to-date prices on the item you’re purchasing.

2. The "Item Swap" Scam

This scam is all about trickery. A scammer might show you an item they claim is worth a lot, then swap it out for a different, much less valuable item just before you complete the trade. The other party often tricks you into not noticing the swap, especially when dealing with stackable items like currency or multiple copies of similar-looking items.

How to Avoid It:

• Always take a second to confirm the item’s details before accepting the trade.
• Be careful when trading items with high-value stats or affixes. Check everything, including item level and sockets.
• Be especially cautious with items that are “stackable,” such as Divination Cards or items with similar names.

3. The "Currency Scammer"

This one has been a staple of PoE trading since the beginning. A scammer may ask you to trade with them using a “trusted” intermediary (a supposed third party who’s just in on the scam). You’ll be asked to give up your items or currency first, only to find that the intermediary and the scammer just vanish with your goods.

How to Avoid It:

• Never trust random players offering to “help” with your trade.
• Do not trade with someone who claims they need to get a “trusted third party” involved.
• Stick to simple direct trades—if someone is pressuring you for a more complex deal, walk away.

4. The "Hidden Fee" Scam

I’ve seen countless players fall into this trap on Reddit. A scammer will offer to sell you an item at a reasonable price, but once the trade is almost complete, they’ll demand extra currency as a “fee” for trading the item. This scam is particularly tricky because it’s not always clear at first, and it takes advantage of a player's desire to get a good deal.

How to Avoid It:

• Always clarify the price before starting the trade.
• Double-check that the item you're getting is exactly what was listed and that no “extra fees” are involved.
• Avoid making trades that involve any “handling” or “service” fees.

Tips to Avoid Scams and Stay Safe

I’ve learned a few things from all the posts and threads on Reddit about PoE 2 scams, and here are my best tips for avoiding getting scammed in the future:

1. Use Trade Websites and Platforms

Sites like PoE.trade and Path of Exile’s official trade site are excellent resources to find legitimate offers and avoid scammy sellers. You can filter by item stats, league, and price to ensure you’re getting the best deal. These platforms also let you see who you’re trading with, which adds an extra layer of security.

2. Don’t Rely on Third Parties

As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest red flags in PoE 2 trading is when someone asks for a third-party intermediary. There is no legitimate reason for someone to bring a third party into your trade. Always keep it between you and the person you're trading with.

3. Inspect Items Carefully

Before confirming any trade, especially those involving high-value items, inspect every detail carefully. I’ve seen too many people skip this step, only to realize later that the item they were trading for was different from what they thought it was. You can even right-click the item in the trade window to get more information about its stats.

4. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off about the trade, trust your gut. There are plenty of legitimate players out there, but the PoE 2 trading community is large, and scammers are always lurking. If a deal feels too rushed or the other party is pressuring you, take a step back and reconsider the trade.

5. Use Currency Safely

Currency scams are unfortunately common in PoE 2. One way to stay safe is to always verify that the currency you’re about to trade is real. PoE 2 allows for the creation of fake currency in a sense—be sure you’re only accepting real and valid currency from others. Double-check that the value matches what you agreed upon before completing the transaction.

What to Do If You Get Scammed

Unfortunately, sometimes even the most vigilant players get scammed. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what you can do:

• Report the Scam: PoE 2’s support team is generally responsive to scam reports. Although they may not be able to recover your lost items or currency, they can ban the scammer and prevent them from targeting other players.
• Warn Others: Sharing your experience on Reddit or PoE forums can help others avoid falling into the same trap. Players often post about scams they’ve encountered, and it can be incredibly helpful to spread the word.
• Learn and Move On: Sadly, PoE 2 has a bit of a Wild West trading system, and scams are part of the game. The most important thing is to learn from your experience, stay cautious, and keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Scams are a dark side of Path of Exile 2’s economy, and it can be frustrating to witness so many players fall victim to dishonest tactics. But by staying vigilant, using trusted trade platforms, and being cautious with your trades, you can avoid the worst of them. It’s all about staying informed, keeping your wits about you, and, above all, never letting your guard down.

If you ever need a safe way to level up your items or need help navigating the economy, feel free to check out trusted services to assist you in your PoE 2 journey. You can find plenty of helpful tools and guides to assist in your trading adventure at PoE 2 Items. Happy trading and stay safe out there, Exiles!