How to Spot a Car Giveaway Scam

17 million cars are sold each year, and you’re waiting for one to become yours. Imagine if someone gifted you with one for just existing.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that’s because it usually is.

Dream car giveaway scams are becoming increasingly popular and more sophisticated. If you fall for them, you could lose thousands of dollars. Here’s how to spot one and save yourself from being duped:

It Sounds Too Good to Be True

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That’s why you should be skeptical of any situation that promises you a car giveaway prize. The same principle applies to online quizzes, social media posts, and emails that guarantee a luxurious prize if you just click on a link or share personal information.

These scams prey on people’s desires for a legit car giveaway and their willingness to believe that they could be one of the lucky few who win big. Unfortunately, people who giveaway dream cars are extremely rare.

Many People Have the Same Message

If you and your friends receive an unsolicited message from someone who is doing car giveaways, it is more likely that you are the target of a scam. The more people who have received the same message, the more likely it is to be a hoax.

As a note, companies announce legit car giveaways through text, but they send them to a select few.

There Are Spelling or Punctuation Errors

If you receive a message from someone who is giving away a car, be cautious if there are spelling or punctuation errors in the text.

Scammers often make typos because they are not native English speakers. They also may not have gone to school for very long, which is why they resort to scamming people.

You’re Asked to Pay for the Dream Car Giveaway

If you’re asked to pay for a car giveaway, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate giveaways do not require money upfront.

If you have to send money, or even part with some cash in order to win the car, it’s more than likely that your prize is made up.

You’ve Never Heard of the Company

Be very careful of car giveaways that are hosted by companies you’ve never heard of. If you can’t find contact information, or if there’s no website for the company, it may not be legitimate.

Any reputable business should have a way for potential customers to get in touch with them.

The Details Make Little Sense

Take a close look at how the giveaway is supposed to work.

Often, scammers will create fake contests with near-impossible odds (like one winner out of millions).

Spot a Fake Giveaway From Miles Away

A dream car giveaway is a famous scam, but it can be easy to spot if you follow these tips.

The next time you see an ad for a free car, do your research to make sure it’s the real deal. And remember to check out our lifestyle posts to always stay ahead of the curve.