Is the YouTube Comment Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a impersonation scam.

What should I do if I received the YouTube Comment Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the YouTube Comment Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the YouTube Comment Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

YouTube Comment Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Impersonation

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers impersonate popular YouTubers in comment sections and replies, promoting fake giveaways, crypto investments, and WhatsApp or Telegram groups. They use channel names and profile pictures that look identical to the real creator.

How This Scam Works

Under popular YouTube videos, scammers post comments or reply to existing comments using accounts that mimic the channel's creator. They claim the viewer has won a prize or was randomly selected for a giveaway. The message directs victims to contact them on WhatsApp or Telegram, or to click a link. Once in contact, the scammer asks for personal information, an upfront fee to claim the prize, or directs the victim to a phishing site. Some impersonate crypto influencers promoting fake investment opportunities.

Red Flags to Watch For

Comment claims you have 'won' something by a YouTuber
Account name looks similar but the channel has no videos or subscribers
Directs you to WhatsApp or Telegram to claim a prize
Asks for payment or personal info to receive a giveaway
Real creators do not reach out to winners in YouTube comments

Example Scam Messages

Comment: 'Congratulations you have been randomly selected as a winner!! DM me on Telegram @RealCreatorGiveaway to claim your $5,000 prize!!!!' --- Reply to your comment: 'Thanks for watching! You've been chosen for our subscriber appreciation giveaway. WhatsApp me at +1-555-0182 to receive your gift.' --- Comment: 'I invested $500 and made $7,000 in one week with the help of @CryptoExpert. Contact him on Telegram to start earning.'

What to Do If You Received This

Creators do not give prizes through YouTube comments
Check if the commenter's channel matches the real creator's channel
Never send money to claim a prize
Do not click links in YouTube comments from unknown accounts
Report the comment as spam

What to Do If You Fell For It

Stop all contact with the scammer
Contact your bank if you sent money
Change passwords if you shared login credentials
Report the fake account to YouTube
File a police report for significant financial losses

How to Report This Scam

Report the comment on YouTube (click three dots, Report)
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov

Last updated: February 10, 2026