'You've Been Selected' Free-Cruise / Vacation Prize
A robocall or email says you won a free cruise or vacation, then collects 'port fees,' taxes, or your card — for a trip that is worthless or nonexistent.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You receive a call, robocall, or email congratulating you on a free cruise or vacation you were 'selected' for. To claim it, you must pay port fees, taxes, or booking charges and hand over your card, or sit through a high-pressure timeshare pitch. The 'free' trip comes with hidden costs, blackout restrictions, or does not exist. Real prizes do not require your card and fees to claim.
What it usually looks like
- A 'you've been selected for a free cruise/vacation' message.
- Required port fees, taxes, or booking charges.
- A request for your card to 'hold' the trip.
- A linked timeshare or high-pressure presentation.
Common warning signs
- Fees and card details required for a 'free' trip.
- Robocalls announcing prizes.
- Vague dates, blackout restrictions, and pressure.
- A prize you never entered to win.
Example wording scammers use
“Congratulations! You've been selected for a complimentary 5-day cruise. Just cover the $299 port fees with your card.”
“Press 1 to claim your free vacation before this offer expires.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your card details and 'fees.'
- To funnel you into a timeshare pitch.
- To profit from a worthless 'free' trip.
What to do
- Hang up on prize robocalls; do not press any keys.
- Never give your card for a 'free' prize.
- Distrust trips that require fees and pressure.
- Report the call.
What to do if you already responded
- Dispute charges with your card issuer.
- Watch for recurring or hidden charges.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.