~/scams explained / fake-prize-draw-and-survey-scam
Prize draw scam: why "You have won" is often a trap
Ads, emails and surveys promise a great prize, such as a smartphone or a voucher. In reality it is about your data, hidden costs or subscriptions.
Got a specific message?
Paste the text into the scam check and get an assessment in seconds, no sign-up.
How the scam works
- An ad, message or pop-up says you have won or been selected for a survey. The name of a well-known company is often misused.
- You only need to answer a few questions or pay "just" the shipping costs.
- For this you are asked to give personal details and card details.
- The small print often hides a subscription or recurring payment that you only notice later on your statement.
- The prize usually never arrives. Your data, however, is reused for more scam attempts and unwanted advertising.
How to spot it
- You did not enter any prize draw, yet you supposedly won.
- The prize is very valuable and taking part is said to be very easy.
- You are asked to pay "just" shipping costs or a small fee.
- You are asked to enter card details even though the prize is supposedly free.
- A countdown or deadline puts you under time pressure.
- The small print is hidden, hard to find or missing altogether.
What to do now
- Do not click the ad or the link and do not enter any data.
- Ask yourself: did I even take part? If not, the message is almost certainly fake.
- If in doubt, check the official website or app of the named company by opening it yourself.
- Never enter card details for a supposedly free prize.
- Report the ad or message to the platform and delete it.
Already clicked or paid?
- If you entered card details, call your bank immediately using the number on your card and have the card blocked.
- Check your statements for unknown or recurring charges and report them to your bank.
- Change passwords you entered on the site or reuse elsewhere.
- Report any loss to the police and inform a consumer protection organisation. Expect more spam or scam attempts and stay alert.
Frequently asked questions
Can a win really be genuine?
Yes, but only if you took part in a prize draw. Genuine wins do not ask for card details or a fee in advance.
Why should I give my card for a free prize?
Because it usually involves a hidden payment or a subscription. Anyone asking for card details wants your money.
What if my name or a well-known company is mentioned?
That is no proof of authenticity. Scammers often misuse well-known names and logos. It is then a presumably fake prize draw in that company's name.
More scams
- Fake parcel text: "Delivery failed"
- Fake bank email: "Account locked" and "renew your security method"
- Fake PayPal email: "Account limited" and "suspicious payment"
- Fake Amazon email: order, Prime, locked account or refund
- "Hi Mum, new number": the WhatsApp scam with the fake child
- Classified ads scam: the fake buyer with the "secure payment link"
- How to spot a fake online shop
- Fake Microsoft support: the phone call and virus pop-up scam
- Fake bank employee call: when the bank seems to be calling
- Crypto investment scam: fake ads with famous faces
- Tax refund phishing: fake emails from authorities
General advice, not legal advice. If you lost money, involve your bank and the police.