Medium riskSocial Media Scams

Fake Giveaway Scam

This scam tells you that you won a prize or giveaway, then asks for a fee, your login, or personal details to 'claim' it.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Prize and giveaway scam
Main red flag
A prize win you never entered that asks for a fee or your login to claim.
What to do first
Do not pay or log in. Treat unexpected prize messages as scams.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam tells you that you won a prize or giveaway, then asks for a fee, your login, or personal details to 'claim' it.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Congratulations! You've been selected to win a new iPhone in our giveaway. Claim now by paying a $9.99 shipping fee: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Winning a prize for a giveaway you never entered
  • A request to pay a fee, tax, or shipping to claim a 'free' prize
  • A demand for your login or personal details to verify the win
  • A copycat account imitating a real brand or influencer
  • Pressure to claim within a short deadline

What to do

  • Ignore unexpected prize messages and do not pay any fee
  • Check the official brand account for any real promotion
  • Report and block copycat or impostor accounts
  • Never log in through links in the message

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter login or card details on the page
  • Change your password if you entered it
  • Contact your bank if you paid a fee
  • Report the impostor account to the platform

What not to do

  • Do not pay to receive a 'free' prize
  • Do not share your password or codes
  • Do not forward the giveaway to friends to 'qualify'

Similar scams

High risk Social Media

Instagram Verification Scam

This scam offers a blue verification badge or warns your account is at risk, then links to a fake login page that steals your password.
High risk Online Shopping

Fake Online Store Scam

This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.
High risk Social Media

Facebook Account Recovery Scam

This scam uses a hacked friend's account to ask you to be a 'recovery contact' or share a code, which actually hands your own account to the scammer.

Frequently asked questions

Should a real giveaway ask me to pay?
Legitimate giveaways do not require a fee, tax, or shipping payment to release a free prize. Any such request is a scam sign.
How did I win without entering?
You did not. Claiming you won something you never entered is a tactic to get your money or login details.
The account looks like a real brand. Is it?
Scammers create copycat accounts with similar names and logos. Check the official verified account directly before believing any prize.
What if I paid the fee?
Contact your bank or card provider to dispute the charge and watch for further messages asking for more money.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.