Fraudulent prize claims requiring fees or sensitive info to claim winnings.
Warning signs
unsolicited win notice
requires payment before claiming
Where it shows up
EmailSMSPhoneSocial
How to protect yourself
Slow down. Urgency and pressure are the scammer's main tool — a real request survives a few minutes of checking.
Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto at someone's instruction — those are chosen because they can't be reversed.
Don't click links or call numbers from an unexpected message. Reach the company using contact info from its official website.
Never share a verification code, password, or remote access to your device with someone who contacted you.
Think you've been targeted?
If you sent money or information, act quickly — our free recovery plan walks you through stopping the loss, reporting it, and protecting your identity, step by step.