How To Spot Fake Giveaways: Don't Get Scammed Online!
Fake giveaways promising free cash, gadgets or gift cards pop up everywhere on social media. They might sound fun, but many are scams. LuckyAF only features real, legit sweepstakes, so we know how to spot the fakes. Keep these quick tips in mind before entering anything.
Check the Source
Who’s hosting the giveaway? Real companies usually run contests on their official accounts. Look for a verified badge (a blue checkmark) on Facebook or Instagrambbb.org. Also check if the profile has a history and lots of followers — brand-new or empty accounts are red flagsbbb.org. Make sure any link in the post goes to the official site or app of the brand. If the link looks sketchy or unrelated, it’s best to avoid it.
Spot the Red Flags
Giveaway scams have telltale signs. Watch out for typos or bad grammar in the post, which big brands rarely makebbb.org. Here are some common scam signals:
Simple vs. crazy tasks: A legit contest might ask you to follow the host, like the post, or fill out a short entry form. But if you’re asked to tag dozens of friends, share on every story, or answer endless surveys, that’s a scam tacticrafflepress.combbb.org.
No payment or personal info: Real sweepstakes are always free to enterconsumer.ftc.gov. If a giveaway demands any money (even for “shipping” or “taxes”) or asks for sensitive info like your Social Security number, run the other wayconsumer.ftc.gov. Also, never download random apps or give away passwords just to claim a prizeconsumer.ftc.govcash.app.
Cash App “giveaways”: Fake cash prize posts often claim to be Cash App contests. Remember, official Cash App contests never charge a fee or ask for your passwordcash.app. If a “Cash App” giveaway says “send $5 to enter” or “DM us your login code,” it’s bogus.
Odd post details: Spelling mistakes, low-quality images, or strange URLs are major giveawaysbbb.org. Scam posts look sloppy, whereas real promotions use polished copy and branding.
LuckyAF Has Your Back
The easiest way to avoid scams is to stick with trusted sources like LuckyAF. Every contest we list is vetted for you, with official links and entry forms verified. We never promote anything that asks for money or personal data. If a giveaway makes you uneasy, head back to LuckyAF.co or one of our official social pages for safer sweepstakes.
Stay sharp and trust your gut. If a giveaway looks too sketchy or too good to be true, it probably is. Remember: real prizes don’t cost you a dime. Good luck, and happy winning!