Sweepstakes scams mimic real wins with an exciting message and a small hurdle before you collect, and knowing the red flags is the best defence.

The absolute rule is that real sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees, taxes, or shipping upfront, especially not in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Suspicious messages often arrive through channels you never entered on, use lookalike domains, and apply urgent pressure or demand secrecy.

Verify any win independently by contacting the sponsor through official channels and checking the contest's published rules.

If you spot a scam, stop engaging, report it, and contact your bank immediately if you already sent money.