Low riskSocial Media Scams

Online Contest Vote Scam

A message, often from a friend's account, asks you to vote for their child, pet, or photo in an online contest. The link leads to a fake login page or a page that harvests your details, then quietly sends the same request to your own contacts. The emotional, low-stakes framing ('it only takes a second') is designed to lower your guard.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Low risk
Scam type
Vote phishing scam
Main red flag
A 'vote for me' link asks you to log in with your social or email account before you can vote.
What to do first
Do not log in through the link. Contact your friend directly through a separate channel to check whether they actually sent it.

What this scam usually looks like

A message, often from a friend's account, asks you to vote for their child, pet, or photo in an online contest. The link leads to a fake login page or a page that harvests your details, then quietly sends the same request to your own contacts. The emotional, low-stakes framing ('it only takes a second') is designed to lower your guard.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hi! My daughter is in a cutest baby photo contest and she's so close to winning. Can you vote for her? It only takes a second, just sign in here: [suspicious link]. Thank you so much!'

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

  • The link asks you to log in with your Facebook, Google, or email account just to cast a 'vote'.
  • The request arrives from a friend's account but the wording feels slightly off or unusually urgent.
  • The voting page web address does not match the contest organiser it claims to represent.
  • You are pushed to share the same link with all your friends to 'help them win'.
  • The page asks for personal details, a phone number, or a verification code that a real vote would never need.

What to do

  • Reach your friend through a phone call or a different app to confirm whether they sent the message.
  • Check the web address carefully before entering anything, and close the page if it looks unfamiliar.
  • If a contest is genuine, look it up independently rather than using the link you were sent.
  • Warn the friend whose account sent it, in case their account has been compromised.

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you entered your login details, change that account's password straight away from the official app or site.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication so a stolen password alone cannot unlock your account.
  • Review your sent messages and connected apps, and remove anything you did not approve.
  • Tell your contacts the link is suspicious so they do not click it or repost it.

What not to do

  • Do not enter your social or email password on a voting page you reached through a forwarded link.
  • Do not forward the link to others before you have confirmed the contest is real.
  • Do not assume it is safe just because it came from someone you trust.

Similar scams

Low risk Social Media

Social Media Quiz Scam

This scam uses fun-looking quizzes and 'which X are you' posts to collect answers that double as security-question information, such as your first pet or the street you grew up on, which can later be used to guess passwords or account recovery answers.
High risk Social Media

Hacked Friend Help Scam

A message arrives from a friend's account asking for money, a verification code, or to click a link. In reality the friend's account has been taken over, and the scammer is using your trust in them to reach you.
Medium risk Social Media

Cloned Account Friend Request Scam

A scammer copies a real person's name and profile photo, then sends friend requests to that person's contacts and messages them asking for money, verification codes, or to click a link.

Frequently asked questions

Why would a voting site ask me to log in?
Legitimate public votes rarely need your social or email password. A login prompt on a 'vote' link is commonly used to capture your credentials, which can then be used to message your own contacts.
My friend really did send it. Does that make it safe?
Not necessarily. Their account may have been compromised and is now spreading the link automatically. It is worth checking with them directly before you act on it.
What happens if I just voted without logging in?
If you did not enter any details, the risk is lower. Still avoid resharing the link, and keep an eye out for any unexpected activity on accounts you use.
How can I tell a real contest from a fake one?
Genuine contests can usually be found by searching the organiser's official site. Be careful if the only way to take part is a link sent to you privately.

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.