Consumer Academy
Become a pro at identifying fraudulent social media contests.
FEATURED GUIDE
How to spot a fake giveaway
The complete 60-second checklist covering red flags, green flags, and the legal rules behind each.
Start the lessonAll lessons
LEGALSweepstakes vs. Lottery
Learn why 'shipping fees' turn a giveaway into an illegal lottery.
SAFETYSpotting Fake Engagement
How to tell if a host account is using bots to inflate social proof.
PRIVACYYour Data Rights
Understanding COPPA and how brands misuse your personal information.
LEGALThe 'No Purchase' Clause
Why legitimate giveaways always offer a free entry method.
SAFETYIdentifying Clone Accounts
Scammers impersonate real winners to steal prizes. Don't be fooled.
TECHBlockchain Verification
How VeriWin uses ledgers to prove a prize was actually sent.
BRANDSFake Brand Playbook
Overnight 'DTC' pages that vanish after collecting shipping fees.
INFLUENCERSFake Influencer Handoffs
The DM-and-CashApp scam creators run using stolen celebrity photos.
SAFETYCash App Prize Scams
Why real sweepstakes never require payment apps to claim.
LEGALReading Official Rules
The seven things every compliant giveaway must publish before entry.
LEGALPlatform Disclaimers
Why Instagram, TikTok, and X require specific 'not sponsored by' text.
SAFETYReporting a Scam
What evidence to collect and how to file with FTC + state agencies.
SAFETYSpot a Fake Giveaway
The 60-second checklist: red flags, green flags, and legal rules.
Every lesson is plain-English and grounded in U.S. consumer-protection law. Suggest a lesson.