Prize notifications & advance fee fraud
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning was included because it is based on a report from Verbraucherzentrale. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.
How the scam works
- Fraudsters send unsolicited prize notifications by letter, email, SMS, or messenger.
- The recipient is led to believe they have won a large cash or non-cash prize, even though they have never taken part in a lottery or competition.
- To receive the winnings, alleged upfront costs are demanded, such as processing, notary, or tax fees.
- Deadlines and emotional pressure ('only today') are used to force a quick payment.
- The money is usually requested via bank transfer, gift cards, or other hard-to-trace methods.
- After payment, the senders either come back with further demands or stop responding altogether – the winnings are never paid out.
How to recognise it
- Unsolicited message about a prize that was never entered
- Demand to transfer fees, taxes, or costs before receiving the winnings
- High time pressure with deadlines such as 'within 24 hours' or 'otherwise the prize expires'
- Contact via WhatsApp, email, SMS, or social networks from unknown senders
- Anonymity: Missing specific company details, imprint, or a legitimate address
- Payment allegedly only possible via advance transfer, vouchers, or cryptocurrencies
- Prize without participation
- Advance payment demanded for 'fees/taxes'
How to protect yourself
- Refuse payment: Legitimate winnings are never tied to an advance payment.
- Do not respond to the message and do not disclose any personal data such as bank details or ID.
- Preserve evidence: Keep screenshots, emails, letters, and bank records for a possible report.
- Contact Verbraucherzentrale to report the case and get individual advice.
- In case of financial loss, file a criminal complaint with the local police.
- Use spam filters and fraud reports to detect and report such messages in the future.
What you should never do
- Do not make any advance payments – in any form (bank transfer, vouchers, cryptocurrency).
- Do not share any personal data such as bank or ID information with unknown senders.
- Do not act under time pressure or respond to deadlines set in the message.
- Avoid replying to or calling back unknown numbers and addresses to avoid further exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to receive my prize?
No. Legitimate lotteries and competitions never require an advance payment before a prize is paid out. Such a demand is a clear sign of fraud.
What happens if I do not respond?
As a rule, nothing happens. There is no real prize that will expire. If you do not respond, you are on the safe side.
Where did the fraudsters get my data?
Addresses, emails, and phone numbers often come from data leaks, disreputable address brokers, or the public internet. An unexpected prize notification almost never relates to a real lottery or competition.
I have already transferred money – will I get it back?
A chargeback is often difficult. Contact your bank immediately and file a complaint with the police. Also seek advice from your Verbraucherzentrale.
Should I file a report?
Yes. Even if the prospect of getting your money back is low, every report helps uncover the perpetrators' structures and protect others.
Affected data
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Original source
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Verbraucherzentrale ↗Update history
- 22/07/2026Description updated, Characteristics added