How to handle a competition winner notification safely
What to verify, what information may be reasonable and which requests should make you cautious.
A winner notification should be exciting, but it is worth checking before acting. Popular promotions can attract impersonators who contact entrants using copied brand names and images.
Confirm the competition existed
Check that you entered the named promotion and that the timing matches its closing and winner-notification period. Locate the original page or terms independently.
Verify the sender
Compare the email domain, phone number or social account with official contact information. If necessary, contact the promoter through its published website rather than replying to the message first.
Understand normal verification
A promoter may need your name, address, age confirmation, proof of purchase or other information directly related to eligibility and prize delivery. High-value prizes can involve additional identity checks.
Recognise dangerous requests
Do not provide passwords, one-time authentication codes, PINs or access to online banking. Be very cautious if an unexpected payment is demanded simply to release a prize.
Keep records
Save the original terms and winner correspondence until the prize is delivered. If anything changes, you will have a record of the promotion you entered.
When uncertain, stop and verify through an independent official contact route before sharing information.