Is an Instagram DM saying I won a brand giveaway real?
Most Instagram DMs claiming you won a brand giveaway are scams run from fake accounts imitating genuine brands.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Brand impersonation giveaway scams on Instagram are pervasive. A fake account mimicking a well-known company sends a DM saying you have been selected as a winner. To claim the prize you are directed to pay a small delivery fee, provide card details, or click a link that harvests your Instagram login. Legitimate brand giveaways announce winners publicly on the official, verified account; winners are never asked to send money or provide payment information. Verify any giveaway win by checking the official brand account independently rather than following the DM's links.
Common red flags
- DM from an account that is not the brand's official verified page
- Winning a giveaway you do not recall entering
- Request for card details or a fee to receive the prize
- Link in the DM goes to a non-brand domain
What to do now
- Do not click links in the DM or provide card details
- Search for the official brand account and check if the giveaway is listed
- Report the impersonating account to Instagram
- If you entered credentials, change your Instagram password immediately
Frequently asked questions
How do real brand giveaways work?
Genuine brand giveaways announce winners publicly on the brand's official verified account. They never DM you asking for card details or a delivery payment.