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Online safety

How to Spot a Fake Survey or Prize Message

Use the sponsor's website and official rules to check an unexpected survey or prize notification.

Treat the sender name as a clue

Sender names, logos, and caller IDs can be copied. Look up the organization separately and ask its support team to confirm the campaign. If the invitation is legitimate, identify the published entry method before sharing information.

Read the official rules

Look for a named sponsor, eligibility rules, entry dates, prize details, and the winner notification process. Compare those details with the text or email you received.

Recognize common requests used in scams

Watch for a request to buy gift cards, pay a release fee, or send a one-time verification code. If you already entered payment or account details, contact your bank or service provider through its official channel.

Official sources

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