Giveaway scam check
Check a giveaway by independently identifying its sponsor, reading official rules, and comparing the message with the sponsor’s own website. Stop if someone demands a claim fee, passwords, gift card codes, or urgent payment. This checklist flags risks; passing it is not proof that a promotion is legitimate.
By Extra Profit Editorial Team
Sources for this overview.
Use this checklist before responding to a prize message. Passing the checklist does not prove a promotion is legitimate; confirm the details with the sponsor using contact information you find independently.
- Identify the sponsor. Find the promotion on the company’s own site. A logo or familiar display name is not proof.
- Read the official rules. Check dates, eligibility, prize value, entry method and how winners are notified. Compare the message against those terms.
- Stop if payment is demanded. Fees, gift card codes or cryptocurrency demanded to release a prize are warning signs. A counterfeit check can appear available before a bank discovers it is fake.
- Keep account access private. Do not share passwords or sign-in codes. Before providing tax documents after a real win, independently verify the sponsor and its secure collection method.
- Save evidence and report suspicious messages. Keep the sender, URL and message. Report fraud to the FTC; if you paid, contact the payment provider promptly.