Is a scratch card prize that requires me to buy more cards to claim my prize real?
No. Any scratch card 'prize' requiring further purchases before you can claim is a scam. Legitimate prize redemption never requires buying additional products.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Promotional scratch card fraud is used as a door-to-door, street, and mail-out technique. You receive or are given a scratch card that appears to show a significant win. When you try to claim, you are told the prize can only be redeemed if you also purchase a number of additional cards, products, or a membership. This is sometimes called a 'lottery scratch card' scam or 'promotional prize' fraud. The purchased items are invariably overpriced and worthless. Genuine promotional scratch cards run by legitimate businesses allow you to claim a real prize without any additional purchase requirement, and terms and conditions are clearly disclosed on the card itself.
Common red flags
- Prize can only be claimed if you buy additional products or cards
- Scratch card was distributed by someone approaching you on the street or at your door
- Products you must buy are described vaguely but cost a lot
- Prize claim must be done at a remote location or over the phone immediately
What to do now
- Do not purchase anything to claim a scratch card prize
- Walk away from the interaction
- Report to your national consumer protection or trading standards authority
- Warn others in the area if you received the card at your door
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep the scratch card as evidence?
Yes — keeping the card is useful if you report it to trading standards or consumer protection agencies as it may assist in identifying a pattern of complaints.