Prizes, Lotteries & Sweepstakes
You've won something — you just have to pay a fee first.
'Claim Your Unclaimed Package/Mystery Box' Scam
A message says you have an unclaimed package or won a 'mystery box' and must pay a small fee or take a survey to receive it — a data-and-billing trap.
Read the guide →'Pay Taxes/Fees to Release Winnings' Advance-Fee
You 'won' a prize but must first pay taxes, customs, insurance, or a release fee — the fee is the scam and the prize never comes.
Read the guide →'You Won a Car/Truck' Text Scam
A text says you won a vehicle in a contest and must pay taxes, delivery, or a fee to claim it — a prize that does not exist.
Read the guide →'You Won Our Giveaway' Social DM Scam
A DM says you won a giveaway or contest you may have entered, then asks for a fee, your details, or a code to 'claim' the prize.
Read the guide →'You've Been Selected' Free-Cruise / Vacation Prize
A robocall or email says you won a free cruise or vacation, then collects 'port fees,' taxes, or your card — for a trip that is worthless or nonexistent.
Read the guide →Foreign-Lottery Mail Scam
A letter or email says you won an international lottery you never entered and must pay fees to claim it — plus it is illegal to play foreign lotteries by mail.
Read the guide →Gift-Card 'Reward' Survey Funnel
A survey promising a big-brand gift-card reward funnels you through offers that collect personal and card details and enroll you in charges — the gift card never comes.
Read the guide →Lottery & Prize Scams
You're told you won a lottery or prize you never entered, then asked to pay a fee to release it.
Read the guide →Publishers Clearing House Impersonation
A caller says you won a Publishers Clearing House prize and must pay taxes or fees up front to receive it — the real PCH never asks winners to pay.
Read the guide →Spin-to-Win / Prize-Wheel Data Harvest
A 'spin the wheel' or 'you won!' pop-up collects your personal and card details for a prize that is worthless or comes with hidden charges.
Read the guide →
Not sure which one you’ve got?
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