Medium riskGaming

Twitch Giveaway Scam

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate streamers or run fake giveaways in chat and DMs, telling viewers they have won and must log in, pay a fee, or verify details on a fake site to claim a non-existent prize.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Impersonation / phishing (gaming)
Main red flag
A 'giveaway win' that needs a login, fee, or verification on an outside site.
What to do first
Ignore it; real giveaways never need a fee or your password on another site.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate streamers or run fake giveaways in chat and DMs, telling viewers they have won and must log in, pay a fee, or verify details on a fake site to claim a non-existent prize.

Gaming and in-app scams target players with fake currency generators, account trading and phishing, rigged item trades, and malicious mods. They aim at accounts, in-game items, and payment details, and often hit younger users hardest.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A 'giveaway win' that needs a login, fee, or verification on an outside site. Ignore it; real giveaways never need a fee or your password on another site.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Steam & Discord Phishing Scam or the Discord Nitro Scam, browse the Gaming & In-App Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Accounts & items
the core targets of gaming scams, logins, inventories, and linked payment methods
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in 2023, where many gaming scams spread
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Congrats, you won the streamer's giveaway! Log in here to verify your account and pay a small fee to release 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 'giveaway win' that needs a login, fee, or verification on an outside site.

Red flags to watch for

  • A giveaway win you did not enter
  • A login or verification on an outside, lookalike site
  • A fee or deposit to 'release' the prize
  • Impersonation of a streamer in DMs or chat
  • Pressure to claim within minutes

What to do

  • Ignore giveaway wins that need a login or fee
  • Verify on the streamer's official channel only
  • Never enter your password on outside sites
  • Report and block impersonator accounts

If you already clicked or replied

  • Change your password and enable two-factor authentication
  • Contact your bank if you paid a fee
  • Revoke any connected apps you authorised
  • Keep records and report the account

What not to do

  • Do not log in on outside giveaway sites
  • Do not pay a fee to claim a prize
  • Do not trust streamer DMs about winning

Similar scams

High risk Gaming

Steam & Discord Phishing Scam

In this scam, DMs and links on Steam, Discord, or game chats lead to fake login pages or trade offers, often claiming you have been reported, won an item, or need to vote, to steal your account and items.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Social Media

Discord Nitro Scam

This scam spreads through Discord direct messages, often from a friend whose account has already been taken over. The message offers free Discord Nitro and includes a link to a page that looks like the Discord login. Entering your details hands over your password and account token, letting attackers take control and send the same message to your contacts. Treating unexpected free offers with caution and signing in only through the official app are the best ways to stay safe.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Gaming

Game Account Trading Scam

In this scam, buyers, sellers, or traders of game accounts and items take payment or the account, then disappear, reclaim the account, or hijack it, since trading usually breaks the game's rules and offers no protection.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Did I really win a giveaway?
If you did not enter, or are asked to log in elsewhere or pay a fee, it is a scam. Real giveaways do not need your password or money to claim.
The message came from the streamer. Genuine?
Scammers impersonate streamers in DMs and chat. Verify only on the streamer's official channel, and never act on a direct message about winning.
I logged in or paid. What now?
Change your password, enable two-factor authentication, contact your bank if you paid, revoke connected apps, and report the account.
How do legitimate giveaways work?
They are run on official channels with clear rules and never require a fee or your login on an outside site to claim a prize.

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.