Scam library

Fake prizes and refunds

You won something or are owed a refund, but first you have to pay a fee or share your details.

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How much people are talking about "refund scam" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.

What it looks like

Congratulations. You've won $2,500,000 and a new car in the National Sweepstakes. To release your prize, pay the $499 processing fee by gift card.

You are eligible for a refund of $327.50 from your internet provider due to an overcharge. Claim at refunds-example.com.

Call transcript: "I accidentally refunded you $5,000 instead of $500. Please check your bank and send the difference back."

How it works

They tell you about a prize, lottery win, settlement or refund. To get it, you pay a fee, tax or shipping cost, or enter bank or card details on a fake claim page. In the refund version, they often get remote access, move your own money between accounts to fake an overpayment, and ask you to send the 'extra' back.

Warning signs

You won a contest you never entered
You have to pay to collect a prize or refund
They want gift cards, wire, crypto or cash by mail
An 'accidental' refund that you must send back
A claim link that is not the company's real website

If you got one of these

Do not pay anything. Real prizes do not charge a fee to collect.
Check refunds by logging in to your account the usual way or calling the number on your bill.
Never let someone remote into your computer to process a refund.
Hang up or delete the message.

If you already paid or shared something

Call your bank or card fraud line now. For gift cards, call the number on the back of the card.
If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and change passwords from another device.
Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Who gets targeted

Often older adults, and anyone who enters contests or expects a refund from a company.