Medium riskPhone & Voice

Prize Robocall Scam

In this scam, a robocall or live call says you have won a prize, holiday, or cash, then asks for a fee, card details, or personal information to 'release' winnings that do not exist.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Prize lure (robocall)
Main red flag
A call saying you won a prize you never entered, needing a fee or details to claim.
What to do first
Hang up. You cannot win a draw you never entered.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a robocall or live call says you have won a prize, holiday, or cash, then asks for a fee, card details, or personal information to 'release' winnings that do not exist.

Phone and voice scams, known as vishing, use live callers and robocalls to impersonate banks, retailers, agencies, and tech support. The call is a doorway to remote access, one-time codes, or moving money, and phone contact carries some of the highest reported losses.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A call saying you won a prize you never entered, needing a fee or details to claim. Hang up. You cannot win a draw you never entered.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Lottery Winner Scam or the Auto Warranty Robocall Scam, browse the Phone & Voice Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Highest median loss
phone calls are the contact method with the highest reported median loss to fraud
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$2.7B
reported lost to imposter scams in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Congratulations, you've won a holiday! Press 1 and pay a small release fee to claim your prize.'

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.

Why this is a red flag: A call saying you won a prize you never entered, needing a fee or details to claim.

Red flags to watch for

  • A win for a contest you never entered
  • A fee or 'taxes' to release winnings
  • A request for card or personal details
  • Pressure to claim immediately
  • Instructions to press a key or call back

What to do

  • Hang up on prize robocalls
  • Never pay a fee or share details to claim a 'prize'
  • Do not press keys, which flags your number
  • Report and block the number

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid, contact your bank to flag or freeze your card
  • Watch for recurring charges or follow-up calls
  • Change passwords if you shared logins
  • Report it to your fraud authority

What not to do

  • Do not pay a fee to claim a prize
  • Do not share card or personal details
  • Do not press keys to speak to an agent

Similar scams

Medium risk Text Message

Lottery Winner Scam

This scam tells you that you have won a lottery or prize draw you never entered, then asks for an upfront fee, tax payment, or personal details to release the supposed winnings.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Phone & Voice

Auto Warranty Robocall Scam

This scam uses robocalls claiming your car's warranty is expiring, pressuring you to 'renew' bogus or overpriced vehicle cover and hand over card and personal details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Phone & Voice

Voicemail Callback Scam

This scam leaves a voicemail urging you to call back urgently about a parcel, account, or prize, but the callback number is premium-rate or connects you to a scammer who extracts details or money.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Why would a prize need a fee?
It would not. Asking for a fee or 'taxes' to release winnings is how the scam takes your money. A genuine prize never requires payment.
How did they pick me?
They did not. These calls go out in bulk, and the 'you've won' wording is the lure. Receiving one does not mean you won anything.
I paid a release fee. What now?
Contact your bank to flag your card, watch for recurring charges and follow-up calls, and report it.
Is pressing a key safe?
No. It connects you to a scammer and flags your number for more calls. Hang up instead.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

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.