The FTC says prize-and-claim calls that start with “you’ve won” are a common scam. These messages are typically used to trick victims into paying fees or handing over personal information.

The FTC warns consumers about “you’ve won a prize” calls that are frequently used as an entry point for prize-and-claim scams. The scam typically begins with a notification—delivered by phone call, voicemail, or similar communication—asserting the recipient has won a reward. In reality, the claim is designed to create urgency and compliance so fraudsters can extract money or sensitive data. According to the FTC’s guidance on prize grant scams, the communications often pressure victims to act immediately and may request payment for “processing,” “taxes,” “shipping,” or other fake costs. In other variants, scammers attempt to obtain personal or financial information, which can then be used for further identity theft or unauthorized transactions. Even when the caller sounds confident, the underlying mechanism is the same: exploit surprise, goodwill, and fear of missing out. The FTC’s key message is to treat unexpected prize notifications as suspicious and not provide payment or personal data based solely on the call. Consumers are encouraged to verify independently, watch for warning signs, and report scam attempts through appropriate channels so patterns can be tracked and disrupted.