a new cookie of sorts.

[BobJustBob]

New steam store cookie: steamCC_123_123_123_123, where 123 is your IP. Why? To stop purchasing games not available in your region by simply using the ?cc=xx method. You can still view such games but no longer purchase. No need to suggest proxies. This isn't about how to bypass that restriction. I'm only telling people that this new --released today-- cookie, stops a legit way to buy games. Steam support sometimes recommends using the ?cc= method when people have issues or are overseas. Interestingly, at least for now, you can still buy games that are cheaper - it's only games that are not actually available in your region; ie: today's daily deal, which is Space Quest collection. I know some of you trade gifts and such and might have wanted to know. Again, no need to jump in and suggest proxies. I just wanted to make a note in case people start wondering why something that worked until now suddenly stopped working.

[Pinkeh]

Just worked for me. Bought some gifts from store.steampowered.com/?cc=uk

[BobJustBob]

Originally Posted by Pinkeh

Just worked for me. Bought some gifts from store.steampowered.com/?cc=uk

Do you have the cookie I mention? Can you check that? It may expire after purchase, but you can test without buying anything. Just use ?cc=us to view main store page. Add the Space Quest pack and try and purchase (either for you or as gift if you already have it). It will either go to next step (and then you can disregard) or just take you back to main page with an empty cart.

Also you prefer UK to US? Are they cheaper even though the pound is stronger?

[ni9ht_5ta1k3r]

that's why it's good to have the VPN!

[Pinkeh]

Are you sure you're not confusing with the geoip locator that Steam uses to track your account's geographic region? I dont see any changes to the store. You know you can change your account region / steam IP lock through Steam support? I do it regularly overseas. And as nightstalker noted - just VPN + credit card accepted internationally

[BobJustBob]

Originally Posted by ni9ht_5ta1k3r

that's why it's good to have the VPN!

Yes, but that is at best gray area and some reports say Steam can get nasty: ban accounts or at least block all purchase options on account, thus crippling it. With the ?cc=xx method, there is no other layer. You are using your real IP and not trying to hide it.

@Pinkeh
What exactly did you buy? I'm pretty sure it's not a region locked item. That's why you still can.

Here's the simplest of tests. No need to even log in.

This test is for Australians with an AU IP!

1.) Open your favorite browser.
2.) Go to: http://store.steampowered.com/?cc=us
3.) Add Space Quest Collection to cart.
4.) At cart stage click the Continue Shopping blue button.

You should be returned to the main Steam store page (http://store.steampowered.com) with an empty cart.

[Pinkeh]

Originally Posted by BobJustBob

Yes, but that is at best gray area and some reports say Steam can get nasty: ban accounts or at least block all purchase options on account, thus crippling it. With the ?cc=xx method, there is no other layer. You are using your real IP and not trying to hide it.

Banned for credit card FRAUD.

When you create a new account and put in fake billing addresses to circumvent the Credit Card Fraud Detection System, that's against the Steam TOS and thus account ban.

Depending on the type or credit/debit card you are using, there may be variations in the security checks used against the card. Some will check your billing address against your card's billing address. Others do not. Best check the PDS of the card you are using, or ring your card provider and explain what you're trying to buy and see what products they can offer you.

Steam has no issues with gifting accounts. I'm sure most people taking advantage of cheap sales have at least a steam account used for gifting.

[BobJustBob]

Originally Posted by Pinkeh

For credit card FRAUD.

When you create a new account and put in fake billing addresses to circumvent the Credit Card Fraud Detection System, that's called credit card fraud.

What? Hang on. You just said you purchased via the UK store. Does that not mean that you selected "I currently reside in UK" in order to finalize purchase?

Again, what did you purchase? I'm sure it was not a region locked game.
Can you try the simple four step test?

[BobJustBob]

Okay, Pinkeh, let's drop it mate. For whatever reason you seem to want to discuss everything else but the cookie.

I just said there's a new cookie that does what I said. You claimed otherwise. I asked two specific questions you're not answering yet are editing your post several times to reflect something I'm not interested in discussing.

This cookie is new and real. I'm not seeking ways to be able to buy region locked games. It has nothing to do with CC regions and countries of issue.

You're going around in circles. Again, try the four step test and report back. You should have the same result, if you have an AU IP.

[Pinkeh]

Philll covered this topic of gifting steam games extensively in the past. Just google it.

Seeing as people were openingly discussing methods to commit credit card FRAUD (without being aware that it was) I thought people agreed to stop talking about it here last year.

Originally Posted by BobJustBob

Okay, Pinkeh, let's drop it mate. For whatever reason you seem to want to discuss everything else but the cookie.

I just said there's a new cookie that does what I said. You claimed otherwise. I asked two specific questions you're not answering yet are editing your post several times to reflect something I'm not interested in discussing.

This cookie is new and real. I'm not seeking ways to be able to buy region locked games. It has nothing to do with CC regions and countries of issue.

You're going around in circles. Again, try the four step test and report back. You should have the same result, if you have an AU IP.

Because cookies doing what you think it is doing, makes no sense, and easily circumvented too.

[Psychotria]

Hang on. How is stating your country of origin is not where you reside related to credit card fraud?

[FiShy]

I buy all my steam games from the US store using a bankwest CC via proxy, i just gift them to my main steam account.

But if a cookie is stopping you, just edit the cookie...

[Bigs]

Well this blows... I guess my wallet will thank this change though...

Meh - still works... just bought the Space Quest Collection as a test *shrug* - I had my account unlocked/unblocked ages ago, and my CC works - so I'm still happy

[Pinkeh]

I buy all my UK steam games through a VPN and then gift it to a main account and friends. Steam encourages gifting.

Your purchases are more likely going to be held up by account IP locks (which can be fixed with an email to Steam support) and using an Australian credit card that's not accepted by Valve/Steam. Again, if its the second problem, check with your credit card provider/bank for options.

GeoIp and account IP tracking is done on two levels AFAIK. One is to determine which store Steam should display on your web browser, the other is to determine the geographic region of your steam account. If you travel (internationally) + game, email steam support to disable/turn off geoip tracking. It'll eliminate shopping issues overseas and also locking of some region-specific games. As already stated, third option is VPN/proxy if you know what you're doing.

Members of the armed forces stationed overseas likely experience these issues with Steam's GeoIP tracking often. Pretty sure Steam will turn your ip tracking off no fuss at all.

[El Nermo Diablo]

Why I dont use Steam anymore.

GoG, ZiiP, D2D, CJS ftw!