"You've won a prize": the fake competition call or text that asks you to pay

"You've won a prize": the fake competition call or text that asks you to pay

"Congratulations! You've been selected as the winner of an iPhone 16. To receive it, just pay €2.99 shipping." Or a very upbeat call: you've won a holiday, a supermarket voucher, a "lottery" you don't remember entering. All that's left is a small payment, your card details or a few personal details "to process the delivery". If you have to pay anything to receive a prize, it's not a prize: it's a scam. Here's how it works and what to do.

How does the fake prize scam work?

• The text with a link. "You're our lucky winner", "Your loyalty points are about to expire, claim your gift". The link leads to a page with a fake draw, often in the name of a well-known brand, supermarket or phone network, that ends by asking for your card details to pay a "shipping fee".
• The call. A friendly voice says you've won. To claim it, they need to "verify" your bank details, your PPS number or a code you'll receive by text. Sometimes there's a recorded message asking you to press a key.
• The foreign lottery. An email, letter or call saying you've won a lottery abroad. To release the winnings you must pay "taxes", "legal fees" or "transfer costs" upfront.
• The social media competition. A fake page copying a real brand, announcing that you've won and asking you to "confirm" your details through a link.

In the most damaging versions, the small payment isn't the goal: the card details you entered are used for much bigger purchases, or you're signed up to an expensive monthly subscription in the small print.

Why does it look believable?

• It uses real brands, with their logos and colours.
• The amount is tiny: €1 or €2 doesn't set off alarm bells.
• It plays on luck and urgency: "only 2 hours to claim it".
• It comes when you're shopping or using an app a lot, so a reward seems plausible.

What are the red flags?

• You didn't enter any competition.
• You have to pay to receive the prize, however little.
• They ask for card details, PPS number or bank codes.
• A link to an unofficial domain, a shortener or a page with a countdown timer.
• A foreign lottery. You can't win a draw you never entered.
• Pressure and secrecy: "don't tell anyone until it's processed".

What should I do if they've just rung or texted me?

1. Don't tap the link, don't press keys and don't give any details.
2. Hang up if it's a call. A genuine prize won't disappear because you checked.
3. If it mentions a brand or a competition you did enter, look up the company's official contact details yourself (on its own website or app) and ask them directly.
4. Delete the message and block the number. ComReg's scam calls and texts advice is to stop, check, avoid using any contact details in the message, and mark it as spam.
5. Report the number in the spam numbers directory.

What if I've already paid or given my card details?

1. Ring your bank now on the official number (on your card or in its app). Ask them to block the card and order a new one.
2. Check your statements for unfamiliar charges and for recurring subscriptions. Ask the bank about disputing anything you didn't authorise.
3. If you entered a code from your bank, tell them: a larger payment may already have been approved.
4. If you gave your PPS number or ID, be alert for further contact and identity misuse, and mention it when you report.
5. Report it to the Gardaí at your local Garda station, with screenshots of the message, the link and the bank receipts.

If the bank won't refund you and you disagree, make a formal complaint; after that, you can bring it to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).

Where do I report it?

• Your bank, if card details or money are involved.
• An Garda Síochána, at your local station, if you've lost money or shared personal details.
• Your mobile operator, through the route it provides for scam texts.
• NoCall, in the spam numbers directory.

The CCPC's guide to social media scams describes fake competition scams, and its list of common scams is worth a look if you want to know the other versions.

Frequently asked questions

The text said it was from my phone network. Could it be real? Networks do run promotions, but they won't ask you to pay a fee through a link to receive a prize. Check in your operator's official app or by ringing customer care on the number on your bill.

I really did enter a competition recently. How do I know? Contact the organiser through its official website or social media accounts. A genuine winner notice won't ask for your card details or a code.

Is it worth replying "STOP" to the text? Not to a scam text. Replying confirms your number is active. Just delete, block and report.

They only asked for my name and address. Is that dangerous? It's less serious, but it can be used for more convincing scams later, or for fake deliveries. Be extra cautious with follow-up contacts.

In short

You can't win a competition you never entered, and a real prize never costs money to receive. Don't tap, don't pay and don't give details. If you've already entered your card, ring your bank now and report it to the Gardaí. And report the number in the NoCall spam numbers directory so others are warned.