At OMGSweeps, we love giving you access to real chances to win. But with the growing popularity of online giveaways, scammers are getting sneakier—and they’re targeting sweepstakes fans with fake offers that look incredibly convincing. If you’ve ever received a suspicious “You’re a winner!” message, you’re not alone.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a legit contest and a scam—and how to protect yourself along the way.
How Sweepstakes Scams Hook You
Scammers count on catching you off guard. You’ll get a message claiming you’ve won something amazing—maybe a brand-new car, a five-figure cash prize, or an all-inclusive trip. But before you can claim it, they want something from you.
That “something” might be:
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A payment for shipping, handling, or taxes
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Your bank details or credit card info
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Sensitive personal data like your Social Security number
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A request to click a link that leads to malware or phishing sites
A real sweepstakes will never require you to pay anything to receive a prize. If it does, it’s not a prize—it’s a trap.
Red Flags That Scream “Scam”
Here are some of the most common warning signs that a sweepstakes isn’t what it claims to be:
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You don’t remember entering the contest
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The message is from a random Gmail or Yahoo email—not a verified company domain
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You’re asked to pay or give up sensitive personal info
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The message has poor grammar, typos, or awkward language
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You’re told to “act fast” or lose the prize
If you ever feel pressured, unsure, or just a little suspicious—step back and do a quick check. Legit sweepstakes sponsors will give you time to respond and clear ways to verify the offer.
What Real Giveaways Look Like
At OMGSweeps, and with any trusted sweepstakes, the process is simple: You enter, your info is securely stored, and if you win, you’re contacted through the email or phone number you used to enter. For larger prizes, you may be asked to fill out a short form to verify your identity, but you’ll never be charged a fee.
And if you’re ever unsure, you can go to the official website of the sweepstakes or sponsor to confirm any communication you’ve received.
How to Protect Yourself
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Create a dedicated email for entering contests. It helps you track legitimate entries and spot anything suspicious.
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Never pay for a prize. If someone asks you for money to release your winnings, it’s a scam.
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Don’t click sketchy links. Hover over links to see where they lead—and never download unexpected attachments.
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Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the platform (like Facebook or Instagram) where you received the message.
Final Thoughts
Scams are out there, but you don’t have to fall for them. A little caution goes a long way when entering sweepstakes—and sticking with trustworthy platforms like OMGSweeps ensures you’re only seeing verified, real opportunities to win.
So stay alert, enter smart, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true and asks for your credit card info—it probably is. Keep it safe, and keep it fun!