Low riskSocial Media Scams

Loop Giveaway Scam

In this scam, a 'loop' giveaway requires you to follow a long list of accounts and sometimes pay an entry fee for a big prize, but the draw is rigged or fake, used to inflate followers or take entry money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Low risk
Scam type
Rigged / fee-based giveaway
Main red flag
A giveaway requiring you to follow many accounts or pay to enter a big prize draw.
What to do first
Be sceptical; never pay to enter, and treat follow-loops as low-value at best.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a 'loop' giveaway requires you to follow a long list of accounts and sometimes pay an entry fee for a big prize, but the draw is rigged or fake, used to inflate followers or take entry money.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Win a car or $10k! Follow everyone this account follows and pay a small entry fee to qualify.'

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

  • A requirement to follow many accounts to enter
  • An entry fee for a prize draw
  • A prize that seems too big to be real
  • Organisers you cannot verify
  • Pressure to enter before it closes

What to do

  • Never pay to enter a giveaway
  • Be sceptical of huge prizes and follow-loops
  • Verify organisers and prize legitimacy
  • Report and ignore suspicious giveaways

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid an entry fee, dispute it with your payment provider
  • Unfollow accounts you do not want to follow
  • Be wary of follow-up 'you won, pay to claim' messages
  • Report the giveaway

What not to do

  • Do not pay to enter a giveaway
  • Do not share card or personal details to qualify
  • Do not trust prizes that seem too big

Similar scams

Medium risk Social Media

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.
Medium risk Social Media

Giveaway Winner DM Scam

In this scam, a message impersonating an influencer or brand says you have won their giveaway, then asks for a delivery fee, your details, or a card to 'claim' the prize that does not exist.
Medium risk Social Media

Buy Followers Scam

This scam promises thousands of cheap followers, likes or views, then takes your payment and delivers fake or no followers. Some ask for your account password directly, and the bought engagement can get your account flagged or banned by the platform.

Frequently asked questions

What is a loop giveaway?
It is a giveaway requiring you to follow a long list of accounts, sometimes with an entry fee. Many are rigged or fake, used to inflate followers or take money.
Should I ever pay to enter?
No. Legitimate giveaways do not charge entry fees. Paying to enter is a clear warning sign.
I paid an entry fee. What now?
Dispute the payment with your provider, be wary of 'you won, pay to claim' follow-ups, and report the giveaway.
Are the prizes real?
Often not, or they go to insiders. Treat huge prizes and follow-loops with strong scepticism.

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.