Scam or NotScam No. 0202026-10-31
Is this text a scam?
Subject: Congratulations! Your prize is waiting
SCAM
SSweepstakes Claims Office <[email protected]>
Text Message · Today 9:41
Dear Winner,
You have been selected as the winner of a brand new tablet in our Annual Sweepstakes.
To release your prize, a processing fee of $49.99 is required for shipping and handling.
Act now. Your claim expires in 24 hours.
Reply with your full name, address, and bank account number, then pay the fee at:
www.prize-claims.example/winner
Sweepstakes Claims Office
Recreated from the FTC Consumer Advice article, which describes prize emails that ask for a fee, request bank account information, and pressure you to act now.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Pay to winReal prizes are free, so any fee to get one means a scam.
Source: “If you have to pay to get your prize, it’s a scam. Real prizes are free.” link - RED FLAG 2Asks for bank infoThere is no reason to ever share your bank account number to claim a prize.
Source: “There’s absolutely no reason to ever give your bank account or credit card number, or personal information like your Social Security number, to claim any prize.” link - RED FLAG 3Rush to actScammers push you to hurry so you have no time to think.
Source: “Scammers pressure you to act now to get a prize, or to hurry up and pay or give them information. They tell you it’s a limited time offer and you have to “act now” to claim your prize. They don’t want you to have time to think about what’s really happening.” link
Safe move
Delete, don't click
Delete the email without clicking any links, and do not reply.
Source: “Delete any messages without clicking links, and don’t respond.” link
Delete the email without clicking any links, and do not reply.
Source: “Delete any messages without clicking links, and don’t respond.” link
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