Beware of Unexpected Prize and Lottery Scams: Stay Safe & Informed

• Scam Prevention
• Lottery Scams
• Financial Safety

Protect yourself from unexpected prize and lottery scams by knowing the signs and how to avoid being tricked into losing your money or personal details.

The Truth About Prize and Lottery Scams

Many Australians are targeted each year by scams promising unexpected winnings, prizes, or entitlements. Scammers use persuasive messages via emails, letters, texts, or social media to convince victims they're entitled to money or rewards they never sought or entered a competition for.

How These Scams Work

Unexpected prize and lottery scams typically involve the following scenario:

• You receive an unsolicited message stating you've won a prize or lottery you never entered.
• The scammer demands an upfront fee, taxes, or other charges before releasing your 'winnings'.
• You may also be asked to provide sensitive personal information, such as banking details or identification documents.

Warning Signs of Prize and Lottery Scams

Watch out for these clear indicators:

• Winning notifications for competitions you didn't enter.
• Requests for upfront payments to claim a prize or reward.
• Pressure or urgency to respond quickly or risk losing your prize.
• Messages received via social media from unknown or compromised accounts.

How to Protect Yourself

• Always Verify First: Double-check any unexpected prize claims directly through official channels.
• Never Pay Upfront Fees: Legitimate lotteries or competitions never require fees or taxes upfront.
• Protect Your Personal Information: Never provide your banking, credit card, or identity details to untrusted sources.
• Seek Trusted Advice: Confirm with banks, legal advisors, or trusted contacts if an offer seems suspicious.
• Conduct Online Searches: Look up the names, emails, or phone numbers involved to identify scam alerts reported by others.
• Confirm via Different Channels: If you receive a suspicious message from friends or family on social media, verify it offline before responding.

What to Do if You've Been Targeted

• Stop all contact immediately.
• Alert your bank or credit card provider to secure your accounts.
• Report the incident promptly to Scamwatch or local authorities.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Always remember that genuine offers of winnings or prizes never come with demands for upfront payments. Stay vigilant and informed to keep your money and personal information secure.