How to Evade Scans and Sell Stolen Cargo in Starfield

Welcome to our friendly guide on how to navigate the interstellar world of Starfield, where selling illegal and stolen items comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step outline on how to avoid Contraband scans and successfully sell your stolen goods.

To start your journey as a successful interstellar smuggler, it's crucial to ensure that your ship is equipped with a Shielded Cargo Hold. This specialized cargo hold is designed to prevent scanners from detecting the illegal items you may be carrying. Without it, you are bound to fall victim to Contraband scans and potentially face severe consequences.

Acquiring a Shielded Cargo Capacity can be done through various methods, depending on your playstyle and preferences. One option is to steal or commandeer a ship that already has a Shielded Cargo Hold installed. This can be a risky endeavor, as it involves infiltrating secure areas and potentially engaging in combat. Alternatively, you can purchase the Shielded Cargo Hold from a less reputable ship salesperson. This option may require a significant amount of credits, but it ensures a legitimate acquisition of the necessary equipment.

While having a Shielded Cargo Hold significantly reduces the likelihood of being detected during Contraband scans, it's always wise to take additional precautions. One way to further increase your chances of going undetected is by embarking on the Crimson Fleet questline.

The Crimson Fleet is a notorious group of pirates and smugglers who have perfected the art of evading scans. As part of their questline, you will have the opportunity to install a Scan Jammer on your ship. This powerful tool emits a signal that confuses and disrupts scanners, making it extremely difficult for them to detect your illicit cargo.

Embarking on the Crimson Fleet questline is not for the faint of heart. It involves engaging in risky encounters, facing dangerous enemies, and making morally questionable choices. However, the rewards outweigh the risks, as having a Scan Jammer installed on your ship significantly reduces the chances of being caught during Contraband scans.

If you manage to successfully evade Contraband scans and land in a major city governed by either the United Colonies or Freestar Collective, you're halfway there! These cities are known for their vibrant black markets and shady underground economies, making them the ideal locations to offload your stolen goods.

Once you have landed in a major city, your next step is to find a fence who specializes in dealing with stolen goods. Fences are individuals who operate discreetly, with extensive knowledge of the black market and connections to potential buyers. They know how to handle illegal items without attracting unnecessary attention from the authorities.

It's important to note that the Trade Authority within these cities may be corrupt. They often have ties to organized crime and may try to extort or exploit smugglers. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid dealing with the Trade Authority when offloading your stolen cargo in exchange for cash. Instead, focus on finding reliable fences who can guarantee a smooth and discreet transaction.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, officials may intercept your ship before you have the chance to land and offload your stolen cargo. In such situations, all hope is not lost. There is still a chance to retrieve your seized contraband and continue with your illicit trade.

To retrieve your stolen goods, you need to locate the stolen goods chest in the jail or security hub of the city you landed in. This may require some investigative work and stealthy maneuvers, as the authorities will not make it easy for you. Be patient, persistent, and use your skills and resources wisely. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.