Competition scams to avoid: fake pages, "you've won" messages and more

The popularity of competitions has created a ready-made script for criminals: people expect to win things online and expect to be contacted when they do. Most scams rely on one of a handful of tricks.

The cloned page

A fake social media account copies a real competition brand: same logo, nearly the same name, sometimes an extra full stop or underscore. It comments under real posts telling people they have won and need to "claim" through a link.

The "you've won, just pay the fee" message

You are told you have won but must first pay for delivery, insurance, "verification" or tax. A genuine competition never asks a winner to pay to receive a prize. Any request for money is the scam.

Phishing links and fake checkouts

A link leads to a page that looks like a real competition or a parcel company and asks for your card details or bank login. Once entered, they are used elsewhere.

The raffle that never draws

Someone sells tickets for an expensive item through a group or messaging app, takes payment by bank transfer and never holds a draw. These are often also illegal lotteries.

Rules that defeat almost every scam

• You cannot win a competition you did not enter. Check your account on the real site, not via a link in a message.
• Never pay a fee to receive a prize.
• Real operators announce winners from their verified account and contact you through details you gave them.
• Pay by card, not bank transfer, gift cards or crypto.
• Type the site address yourself, or use a bookmark.

If it has happened to you

• Contact your bank or card issuer straight away using the number on the back of your card.
• Report fraud to Action Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland on 101.
• Forward scam texts to 7726 and suspicious emails to [email protected].
• Report fake accounts to the social media platform.

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Questions or corrections? [email protected]