# Fake prize notifications that require a processing payment | Dead Internet Theory

Dead Internet Theory: Prize scams turn an unexpected reward into a payment demand. FTC guidance is blunt: real prizes do not require taxes, shipping charges, or processing fees to be paid before the winner can collect.

https://switchboardtechservices.com/articles/dit-fake-prize-notifications-that-require-a-processing-payment/

By Switchboard Tech Services · Originally published 2026-04-05

#Switchboard #Article

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Canonical URL: https://qwibbit.com/q5780

Created: 2026-10-17T00:09:15.449372+00:00

Last edited: 2026-10-17T00:09:15.449372+00:00

Board: 3

Origin: Syndicated

Original source: https://switchboardtechservices.com/articles/dit-fake-prize-notifications-that-require-a-processing-payment/