Prize and lottery scams: "you've won" (but you didn't)
A call, email, or text says you have won a lottery, a prize, or a big reward. There is just one catch: a fee, a tax, or your bank details to release it. The prize is the bait, and the catch is the whole scam.
The tell
You cannot win a lottery or prize draw you never entered. And a genuine prize never requires you to pay a fee, a tax, or "shipping" up front, or hand over your banking details, to receive it.
Why there is always a fee
The fee is the scam. Once you pay it, often by gift card or transfer, there is no prize, and you may be asked for another fee, and another. Some versions instead just want your bank details, which is the real prize for them.
What to do
Do not pay, do not send details, and do not call the number in the message. Delete it. If it names a real company or lottery, check with that organization through its official website, never the contact details you were given.
The short version
- You cannot win a draw you never entered.
- A real prize never needs an upfront fee or tax to release it.
- The fee, or the request for your details, is the whole scam.
- When in doubt, delete it; do not call the number to "check".
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Common questions
I got a message saying I won a prize. How do I know if it's real?
If you did not enter, you did not win. And no legitimate prize requires you to pay a fee or tax up front, or hand over banking details, to receive it. Either of those is a sure sign of a scam.
The prize is from a real, well-known company. Could it be genuine?
Scammers use real company names to seem credible. Do not use the contact details in the message; check directly with the company through its official website.
Is it safe to just call and find out?
No. Calling puts you on the line with the scammer, who will pressure you for a fee or your details. Delete the message instead.