“You won a prize” text or email — is it real?

Last reviewed September 2026 · researched from primary sources. Not legal or tax advice — see our Disclaimer.

Almost always, no. Unsolicited “you’ve won” texts and emails are one of the most common scam formats there is. A legitimate sweepstakes contacts you through the details you entered with, references a real contest, and never asks you to pay or to click through to “verify” card details.

Why these messages exist

They are sent in bulk to phone numbers and email lists. The goal is either an advance fee (you pay a “release” charge for a prize that does not exist), phishing (a link to a fake form that harvests your card or login), or malware from an attachment or link.

Tells

• You do not recall entering, or the “sweepstakes” is vague (“our monthly prize draw”).
• A link shortener or a domain that is not the brand’s real site.
• A request to “confirm” your identity by entering card, bank or Social Security details.
• Any fee, tax, or shipping charge to receive the prize.
• Urgency: “claim within 24 hours” or the prize is gone.
• A generic greeting, odd grammar, or a reply-to address that does not match the sender.

What to do

1. Do not click links or open attachments. Do not reply.
2. If it names a real company, go to that company’s website directly and check, or contact its support.
3. Delete the message. On a phone, you can also report it as junk or forward a scam text to 7726 (SPAM).
4. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
5. If you clicked and entered details, change those passwords and contact your bank.

How a real notification looks

It comes to the email or phone you used to enter, names the specific sweepstakes, links to the official rules, and asks you to complete an affidavit and a W-9 — not to pay anything. See how to claim a prize.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission and FCC guidance on prize, lottery and smishing scams.