In short
You've won a phone, a lottery or a supermarket reward. You just need to pay a small fee. How prize scams and fake giveaways work.
Top warning signs: You didn't enter; A fee to claim; Expiring points or rewards.
First thing to do: Ignore and delete. Check any real loyalty balance in the official app.
Example · SMSIllustrative, links disabled
Rewards
Congratulations! Your 5,200 loyalty points expire today. Redeem them for a free gift now, just cover the £2.99 shipping: points-reward-club[.]shop
How the scam works
Fake prizes collect card details through small “shipping” fees, or sign you up to hidden recurring subscriptions. Lottery versions ask for “taxes” or “release fees” before paying out. The prize never exists.
Red flags to look for
- You didn't enter. You can't win a competition you never joined.
- A fee to claim. Real prizes don't require payment.
- Expiring points or rewards. Check in the official app instead.
What to do if you get one
- Ignore and delete. Check any real loyalty balance in the official app.
- Report the message to your carrier or email provider.
If you already paid or shared details
Act quickly. It makes a difference.
- Call your bank to block the card, and look for recurring charges you didn't agree to.
More help: what to do after a scam, and where to report it in your country.
Official sources and further reading
We check our guides against advice from government agencies and consumer protection bodies.
- Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams (US Federal Trade Commission)
- Unexpected money scams (Scamwatch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)
- Prize and lottery fraud (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)