Money And Payments
Fake contest or prize scam
A fake prize used to collect money or data.
What it means
A scammer says you won a prize, sweepstakes, grant, or giveaway, then asks for fees, taxes, account information, or login details.
Example
A message says you won a new phone but must pay a shipping fee through a link.
Warning signs
- You won a contest you do not remember entering.
- You must pay to receive the prize.
- They ask for banking details or identity documents.
- The message comes from a lookalike account.
Safer next steps
- Do not pay fees to claim unexpected prizes.
- Check the sponsor’s official website.
- Do not share banking information.
- Report fake accounts or messages.