How to Buy PC Games Safely Online

Good prices are everywhere, but so are scams and unreliable sellers. These habits keep your money and your accounts safe.

Prefer official stores and authorized sellers

Buying from a store run by the platform or the publisher, or from an authorized retailer, is the safest option. You get support, refunds under that store’s policy and a game that is permanently linked to your account. When a price at an unfamiliar site is far below every major store, ask why before you pay.

Be careful with key resellers

Some sites sell game keys at lower prices. Legitimate ones exist, but the market also includes keys obtained with stolen cards or from the wrong region, which can later be revoked. If you use a reseller, choose one with a long track record, read recent independent reviews, check the region and platform in the listing and pay with a method that offers buyer protection. Never buy from a stranger who messages you a key.

Protect your account

• Use a unique password for each store and turn on two-factor authentication.
• Type the store’s address yourself or use a bookmark. Phishing pages copy login screens exactly.
• Never share login codes, even with someone claiming to be support.
• Be suspicious of “trade offers”, “free skins” and downloads from chat messages.

Check before you pay

• Price and currency. Confirm the total, including tax, and the currency.
• Edition and DLC. Make sure you are buying the version you expect.
• System requirements. Compare them with your PC. Refund rules vary by store, so check them first.
• Region lock. Confirm the key will activate in your country.

Free game offers and scams

A real giveaway never needs your card details or your password outside the store’s own sign-in page. If a “free” offer asks you to install software or complete surveys, close the page. See how to claim free PC games for the normal process.

How GameSavr fits in

GameSavr does not sell games. We list offers and link to the stores. Deal links go through CheapShark, and we cannot guarantee a seller’s reliability, so apply the checks above to every purchase. Read how we disclose our links and data sources.

Ready to compare? Browse today’s best deals, or learn how to tell if a deal is good.