Prize draw scamsHow to avoid prize draw scams

Identifying a prize draw scam

There are a number of key clues to look out for when identifying a prize draw scam:

• The scammers use fake deadlines to try to rush you into a hasty decision.
• Only scam prize draws will ask you to pay upfront fees before receiving a lottery 'win' or large 'prize'.
• The scammers use official-looking stamps to overcome people's natural reaction that something’s not quite right.

To find out if a prize draw letter is a scam, ask yourself the following questions:

You shouldn't have to pay to receive a prize

Have I entered this competition?

If you haven’t, you’re unlikely to have won anything, so it’s probably a scam. If you enter lots of competitions and can’t remember what they’re all called, remember you shouldn’t have to pay any money to claim a prize.

What does the small print say?

Scam mailings are designed to confuse recipients but often do contain the truth somewhere in the small print. If you don't have time to read it, it’s best not to enter.

What do my friends and family think?

It’s good to ask the advice of those around you to see if they think a mailing is a scam.

Reporting prize draw scams

If you’re concerned about a prize draw scam or competition scam, contact Consumer Direct who can also offer advice. If you think an advert or mailing for a prize draw misleads you about what you can win, report it to the Advertising Standards Authority.

You can also sign up to the Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service to avoid getting junk mail and cold calls from companies, which could lessen the chances of receiving prize draw scams in the first place.