How to Find Legitimate Giveaways (And Avoid Scams)

Author

Sharon Marlyn
May 01, 2025

Entering online giveaways can be a fun and rewarding way to score free products, gift cards, trips, and even cash. But not every contest you see online is the real deal. With so many fake sweepstakes and phishing scams floating around, it’s important to know how to spot the difference between a legitimate giveaway and a potential trap.

In this guide, we'll break down how to find real, trustworthy giveaways and share warning signs that can help you avoid scams.

1. Look for Giveaways Hosted by Reputable Brands or Verified Pages

The safest giveaways are hosted directly on the official websites or verified social media pages of known brands. If you're entering a contest from Coca-Cola, Sephora, Target, or another established name, you're far less likely to encounter fraud.

Tip:

  • Check for the blue verification checkmark on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now X).

  • Visit the brand's actual website to confirm the giveaway is mentioned there.

2. Avoid Giveaways That Ask for Sensitive Information Upfront

Legitimate giveaways might ask for your name, email, or shipping address after you win, but they will never request:

  • Social Security numbers

  • Credit card information

  • Banking details

If a contest asks for payment or personal financial info just to enter or claim a prize, it’s a scam.

3. Review the Terms and Conditions

Any real giveaway should include a full set of rules or terms and conditions. This includes:

  • Eligibility (age, country)

  • Entry period

  • How the winner is selected

  • How and when the prize will be delivered

If there are no published rules or the link leads nowhere, steer clear.

4. Be Wary of Fake Pages Impersonating Real Brands

Scammers often create pages that look like official brand accounts. They might:

  • Use a similar name (e.g., "Target Free Giveaways" instead of "Target")

  • Copy logos or brand colors

  • Run fake Facebook or Instagram contests promising huge prizes

Check the page URL and follower count. Low engagement or recent page creation dates are red flags.

5. Stick to Trusted Giveaway Aggregators

Instead of searching for contests manually, use vetted giveaway listing sites that curate legitimate opportunities.

Some reliable aggregators include:

These platforms do the legwork to ensure you’re seeing real contests from credible sources.

6. Be Skeptical of Over-the-Top Promises

Giveaways offering brand new iPhones, $1,000 cash cards, or designer goods with no clear entry rules should raise your suspicion. Scammers use high-ticket items to lure clicks.

Clues it might be fake:

  • No end date or winner selection details

  • You’re told you already won, without entering

  • Links go to unrelated third-party survey sites

7. Don’t Fall for Comment Section Scams

On Instagram and TikTok, scam accounts often comment on real giveaways claiming, "You're the winner! Message us now!"

Reminder: Most brands will never announce winners in the comments. Instead, they usually post an official announcement or reach out via email.

8. Use a Separate Email Address for Giveaways

To protect your primary inbox from spam, use a secondary email address just for giveaway entries. This also makes it easier to track your wins.

Bonus tip: Set up email filters so entries and confirmations don't go to spam.

9. Check for HTTPS and Secure Entry Forms

If you're entering a giveaway on a website, make sure the URL begins with "https://" and the page has a secure padlock icon. This ensures your information is encrypted and less likely to be stolen.

Never enter data on unsecured websites.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off about a contest — maybe it's poorly worded, hosted on a sketchy website, or too good to be true — you're better off skipping it. There are plenty of real, exciting giveaways out there. No need to take risks.

Final Thoughts

Finding legitimate giveaways doesn’t have to be difficult. Stick to trusted sources, verify the host, and avoid any contest that asks for money or personal financial info. By using a little caution and relying on reputable platforms, you can enjoy the thrill of entering — and winning — without falling into a scam.