THE GEN C:\> SCAN PRIZE-SWEEPSTAKES
Prize, Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
You're told you won a car, cash, or a gift card, but you need to pay "taxes," "shipping," or a "processing fee" first, or hand over bank details. Real prizes are free.
"Congratulations! You've been selected as our $750,000 sweepstakes winner. Pay the $299 processing fee with a gift card to claim your prize today."
Red flags
- You have to pay to get a prize
- Asks for bank, card, or Social Security number
- "Act now" deadlines
- A government-sounding name like "National Sweepstakes Bureau"
What to do
- If you have to pay to get a prize, it's a scam.
- Don't click links or respond.
- Did you even enter? Search the company name plus "scam."
Where to report it
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
Last checked: 2026-10-19. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.
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