Fake prize and winnings messages: do not fall into a scammer’s trap

Messages such as “Congratulations, you have won a car!”, “Your phone number has won a cash prize” or “Follow this link to claim your gift” can create unexpected excitement. However, some of these approaches are scams designed to exploit trust and emotion. A prize notification deserves particular scrutiny if the recipient never entered a competition.

Scammers may impersonate a well-known company, bank, shopping centre or influencer. They create profiles resembling genuine accounts, use organisational logos and send fabricated “winners’ lists”. Professional presentation, the inclusion of your name or a familiar brand does not guarantee authenticity. Even an apparently official message needs independent verification.

A common tactic is demanding payment before releasing the prize. A transfer to a stranger’s personal account may be described as a charge for “delivery”, “processing”, “insurance” or “taxes”. Further demands may follow the first payment. An upfront payment request linked to unexpected winnings is a serious warning sign. A small amount does not make the offer safe.

In other cases, the recipient is directed to a fake website and asked to enter card details, a banking application password or an SMS verification code. Do not trust requests to “provide the code to receive your money”. Never disclose a card PIN, card security code or one-time verification code to a stranger. Installing an unknown application or granting remote access to a phone to claim a prize is also dangerous.

Statements such as “you have only ten minutes” or “pay now or someone else gets the prize” may be intended to prevent careful checking. Do not rush or rely solely on the telephone number or link in the message. Independently find the organisation’s official contact details and ask whether the promotion exists, what its rules are and how winners are selected. Some payment details, such as a card number, may be used for a legitimate transfer, but secret authentication codes should not be disclosed.

If deception is suspected, stop sending money or personal information. Preserve messages, profile details, correspondence and payment receipts. If banking information has been exposed, contact the bank immediately and take steps to block the card or restrict relevant transactions. Where necessary, report the matter to the internal affairs authorities and notify the platform about the fake account. Also be cautious of anyone promising a “guaranteed recovery” of lost funds in exchange for another payment.

Students, teaching staff and employees should avoid forwarding unverified prize notifications. Taking time to check an unexpected offer helps protect money and personal information.