Unexpected money
Con artists attempt to persuade you that you are entitled to or owe money or winnings that you did not anticipate receiving.
In order for you to receive the money or rewards, the scammer requests payment of a fee or the disclosure of personal or financial information. You will lose more money attempting to obtain free money than there is.
Warning signs it might be a scam
- Unexpected emails, letters, texts, or any contact that say you are entitled to money, compensation, or an inheritance.
- You are asked to pay money up-front, like taxes or fees to get money or prizes; but you haven’t entered a competition.
- A letter or email looks official and asks you for an upfront ‘administration fee’ or tax to receive a refund or rebate.
- A court order says you are a beneficiary and asks for your identity information or money to make a claim.
Steps you can take to protect yourself
- Always stop, think, and check before you act. Offers of free money are too good to be true and are likely scams.
- Don’t pay a fee to collect winnings or a prize. Legitimate lotteries don’t ask you to do this.
- Never share your bank or credit card details or your identity documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Government departments or trusted companies will never ask you to pay money upfront to claim a grant or rebate.
- Check with your bank, a legal service or a trusted friend or family member, to see if an offer is legitimate.
- Do an internet search using the names or contact details to check for any references to a scam.
- If a friend or family member sends you a message about a prize on social media, check with them outside of social media that they sent it.