What to Do If Your Steam Gift Card is Scratched or Damaged

Gift cards are a convenient and popular way to access digital content, especially for platforms like Steam. However, if you’ve ever scratched off the PIN code on a Steam gift card, only to find that the numbers are illegible, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether it’s due to a printing error, accidental damage, or a scratch that’s just a little too deep, a damaged Steam gift card doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the different options available if your Steam gift card is scratched or damaged, helping you resolve the issue quickly and easily.

1.How much of the code is missing

If you have a scratched Steam card, start by checking how much of the code is still readable. Keep in mind that the code may not always be fully visible. Depending on the extent of the damage, parts or even the entire code might be missing or difficult to read.

If you can see any part of the code, jot it down somewhere safe. You can refer to this if you need to contact customer support. Even if the code is not visible at all, don’t worry! You still have options, like reaching out to customer service or trying to redeem the card without the full code..

2.Can You Decipher the Scratched Off Code?

If part of the code is still visible, you might be able to piece together what is left and use it. Look closely at the remaining numbers and letters, trying to match them up to form the complete code. If you successfully figure it out, you can enter it in the Steam Store to make a purchase.

That said, it can be tricky since you may not have all the information needed to confirm the code. If you are able to guess the code but it does not work, reaching out to Steam customer support could help. Read the next point to see how to get started.

3.Contact Steam Customer Support

If the card is unreadable and you can’t figure out the PIN on your own, your best option is to contact Steam customer support. Here’s what you need to do:

Have the card ready: Ensure you have the damaged Steam gift card on hand, as you’ll need to provide details like the serial number, the retailer where you bought it, and when you purchased it.

• Visit the Steam support website: Head to Steam’s official support page and navigate to the section for gift cards. There, you can file a support ticket explaining your issue and providing any required information.
• Provide proof of purchase: If you bought the gift card from a retailer, make sure you have the receipt or proof of purchase handy. This will help the Steam support team verify your claim faster.
• Steam support can help you recover the balance or issue a new code if they can verify that you own the damaged card. They may ask you to send them a photo of the damaged card or its serial number as part of the process.

4.Visit the Store Where You Purchased the Card

If you still have the receipt, you can also try returning the damaged Steam gift card to the retailer where you purchased it. Many retailers have return policies for damaged gift cards, especially if you bought the card recently. Some stores may allow you to exchange the card for a new one or provide a refund, depending on their policy.

5.Prevention Tips for Future Purchases

While it’s not always possible to prevent damage to gift cards, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Avoid using sharp objects to scratch the PIN: Use your fingernail or a coin to gently scratch off the silver coating. This will help protect the code from being scratched off too aggressively.
• Store your gift cards in a safe place: Keep your Steam gift cards in a safe place, away from moisture or extreme conditions, to avoid accidental damage.
• Check your code immediately: If possible, check the code as soon as you purchase the gift card, so you can address any issues right away.

Conclusion

Dealing with a scratched or damaged Steam gift card can be frustrating, but there are multiple ways to resolve the issue. Whether you choose to contact Steam support, visit the retailer where you purchased the card, or sell your unused cards to CardNigeria, there’s always a solution. And remember, next time, handle your gift cards with care to prevent these issues from happening.

Got a damaged or unused Steam gift card? Don’t worry – CardNigeria can help you turn it into cash in no time. Visit us today to get started!