How to spot a fake claim or prize

Fake settlement sites and prize scams copy real ones. These checks come from consumer advice published by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.

Real settlements

• A real settlement never charges a fee to file a claim.
• It never needs your bank password, a gift card or a wire transfer.
• Its official website names the court, the case and the claim administrator.
• It does not call you to pressure you into filing.

Real sweepstakes

• A real sweepstakes never makes you pay, buy anything, or cover “taxes” or “fees” up front to collect a prize.
• It does not ask you to keep a win secret or to act within minutes.
• It has official rules that name the sponsor.

Safe habits

• Type the address of the official site yourself or use a link you trust, rather than clicking links in surprise emails or texts.
• Compare the web address with the one in the official notice. Look-alike addresses are a classic trick.
• A claim form may ask how to pay you (for example a PayPal email or a mailing address). It should never need your Social Security number unless the official notice explains why, and never your bank login.

Report a scam

Report fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. FTC refund programs are listed at ftc.gov/refunds.