The Sweepstakes Scam has evolved onto the many platforms. The platform is where influencers can make money by promoting products and services of sponsored advertisers.
But that’s not the only way influencers can earn a buck.
It’s common for an influencer to host a contest in which followers enter to win a sponsored product. Entrants typically need to like the post, tag a friend and comment.
Similar to other sweepstakes scams, the “winner” is asked to pay a fee or give up an account number to receive the prize. If so, you’re getting scammed — never send money or reveal financial info.
Three Signs of a Sweepstakes Scam
Who wouldn’t like to win a lot of money or a big prize? That’s why scammers use the promise of a grand prizes to get your money or personal information. Here are three ways to tell you’re dealing with a scam.
- If you have to pay to get your prize, it’s a scam. Real prizes are always free. If someone tells you to pay a fee to cover taxes, shipping, handling charges, processing fees, or customs duties to get your prize, run ….. you’re dealing with a scammer.
- If you have to pay a fee to increase your odds of winning, it’s always a scam. Real sweepstakes are free and winning is by chance. It’s illegal for someone to ask you to pay to increase your odds of winning. Only scammers do that.
- If you have to give your financial or personal information to claim you prize, it’s a scam. There’s absolutely no reason to ever give your bank account or credit card number, or personal information like your Social Security number, to claim any prize. If they ask for this information, don’t give it. Delete any messages without clicking links, and don’t respond.
