Prize Notification Scams on Snapchat
Scammers use Snapchat Stories and DMs to announce fake prize wins from brands or celebrity accounts, directing victims to phishing links to claim their award.
Part of: Prize Notification Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Snapchat's Stories and spotlight features create an environment where brand and influencer promotions appear organically alongside genuine content. Prize notification scammers exploit this by posting story-style prize announcements from accounts styled as brand ambassadors or celebrities, directing engaged viewers to DM for details.
Younger Snapchat users who regularly engage with brand promotions may be more susceptible to prize notifications that fit naturally into their social media experience.
How this scam works on Snapchat
A Snapchat story from an account impersonating a brand or celebrity announces that the first 50 people to DM will receive a prize. Victims who DM are sent a link to a claim page asking for their address, date of birth, and card details for delivery. The account blocks the victim after the information is collected.
Some variants use Snapchat's snap format to send a 'personalised' prize notification snap that disappears after viewing — reinforcing urgency and preventing the victim from carefully examining the message.
Other operators ask victims to follow a link and share the story with five friends to 'activate' the prize, spreading the fraudulent account's reach before extracting payment.
Common red flags
- Snapchat story or DM claiming you have won a prize from a brand or celebrity
- Instruction to DM for details of how to claim a prize
- Claim link asking for card details or a delivery fee
- Account with no long-term Snapchat history or verified identity
- Disappearing snap used to convey prize information, creating urgency
- Requirement to share the story with friends to activate the prize
How to protect yourself
- Verify any prize claim by checking the brand's or celebrity's official website or verified accounts
- Never enter card details on a site reached through a Snapchat DM or story link
- Do not share prize stories with friends before verifying they are genuine
- Block and report the account immediately after receiving a suspicious prize DM
- Enable Snapchat's privacy settings to limit who can contact you
How to report it
- Press and hold the DM or story and select 'Report' within Snapchat
- Report the fake brand or celebrity account to Snapchat as an impersonation
- Contact the brand being impersonated through their official channels
Frequently asked questions
How do I report a fake prize Snapchat account without losing the evidence?
Screenshot the story or DM immediately before it disappears, then use Snapchat's in-app report function. Keep the screenshots as evidence if you need to file a report with your national fraud authority.