How to spot a fake sweepstakes: 8 red flags

Real sweepstakes are a fun, free way to win prizes. Fake ones are a common way to steal money and personal details. The good news: scams almost always give themselves away. Here are the eight signs to watch for.

1. You have to pay to win or to claim a prize

This is the big one. In the US, a legal sweepstakes can't require a purchase or payment to enter or to win. If anyone asks for a "processing fee", "taxes up front", "shipping and handling" or a gift card before you get your prize, it's a scam. Real sponsors deal with taxes through official tax forms, not payments to them.

2. You "won" something you never entered

You can't win a sweepstakes you didn't enter. A surprise call, text or letter saying you've won a contest you've never heard of is a classic scam opener.

3. They ask for bank, card or Social Security details by message

A real sponsor may ask a confirmed winner to sign an affidavit, sometimes including a Social Security number for tax reporting. That happens through a verifiable, official process, not in a text, a DM or a phone call from a stranger. Never send card or bank details to "release" a prize.

4. There are no official rules

Every genuine sweepstakes publishes official rules: who runs it, who can enter, the prize and its value, the end date, how winners are picked, and "no purchase necessary". If you can't find rules, don't enter.

5. The pressure is extreme

"Claim in the next 10 minutes or lose it" is a pressure tactic. Real sponsors give winners a reasonable time to respond.

6. The sender's address looks off

Look for misspelled brand names, free email addresses pretending to be big companies, or links that don't match the brand's real website. When in doubt, go to the brand's site yourself instead of clicking the link.

7. The prize sounds too good to be true

A brand-new car for answering one question, from a company you can't look up, is not how real promotions work.

8. They want payment by gift card, wire or crypto

Scammers like payment methods that are hard to trace or reverse. No legitimate sponsor will ever ask for these.

What to do if you spot a scam

• Don't reply, pay or click. Block the number or sender.
• Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• If you already paid, contact your bank or card company right away.

On HonestPerks, every sweepstakes we list is free to enter, and we check each one before it goes live. If anything ever asks you to pay, stop and tell us.