The 'you've won' prize scam

You're told you've won a prize or lottery you never entered, and to claim it you must pay a fee or provide personal details.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

You receive unexpected contact (call, email, text, or mail) congratulating you on winning money, a vacation, or another valuable prize. The caller creates urgency—saying the offer expires soon or spots are limited—and asks you to pay an upfront fee, provide bank details, or verify your identity to release your 'winnings.'

What it can look like

You get a phone call from someone claiming you've won a free vacation package or a cash prize from a drawing you didn't enter. They say you're one of a few lucky winners and need to act today. When you ask how to claim it, they ask for your Social Security number or a small processing fee to cover taxes and shipping.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You receive a message (email, text, or call) telling you that you've won a prize, lottery, or contest—often something you don't remember entering. The message feels official and exciting.

The sender asks you to 'verify' or 'claim' your prize by providing personal details (name, address, date of birth, account numbers) or paying a small 'processing fee' or 'tax' to unlock your winnings.

You're told the offer is time-limited and that delays could mean losing the prize. You may be asked to wire money, buy gift cards, or share banking information. Each small request builds on the last.

This is the moment to stop: You pause and realize you never entered any contest, or a legitimate organization would never ask for upfront payment or sensitive data to claim a real prize. You do not send money or information.

Red flags

You're told you won something you never entered or applied for.
They pressure you to act quickly or say the offer is expiring soon.
They ask for money upfront (a 'fee,' 'tax,' or 'processing cost') before you receive anything.
They request personal information like your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card details.
When you express doubt, they become insistent or offer 'proof' that sounds too good to check.

What to do

Do not send money, share personal information, or give bank details—legitimate prizes never require payment upfront.
Hang up and independently verify by contacting the company or agency directly using a phone number or website you find yourself (not from the contact).
Report the attempt to reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track patterns and protect others.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop all contact immediately. Do not respond to further messages, calls, or requests—even to ask questions or say 'no.'
Contact your bank or credit card issuer right away if you have already sent money, shared account details, or authorized any transfers. Report the transaction as fraud and ask about reversing it.
If you shared passwords, usernames, or other login credentials, change them immediately on any accounts you're concerned about.
Document everything you received (messages, screenshots, sender contact information) and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This creates an official record and helps protect others.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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