A sweepstakes or lottery scam is a type of fraud in which the scammer contacts you and claims that you have won a prize, but in order to claim your prize, you must first pay a fee. These scams are often targeted at older adults, but anyone can be a victim.
How do sweepstakes and lottery scams work?
The scammer will often contact you by phone, email, or mail. They may claim to be from a legitimate sweepstakes or lottery company, or they may create a fake company that sounds official. They will tell you that you have won a prize, but in order to claim your prize, you must first pay a fee. The fee may be for taxes, processing fees, or shipping and handling.
What are some red flags of a sweepstakes or lottery scam?
- You are contacted out of the blue. Legitimate sweepstakes and lottery companies do not contact people who have not entered their contests.
- You are asked to pay a fee to claim your prize. Legitimate sweepstakes and lottery companies do not require you to pay any fees to claim your prize.
- The caller or emailer is very pushy. They may pressure you to pay the fee immediately or they may tell you that your prize will be forfeited if you do not pay.
- The caller or emailer uses official-sounding language. They may use the names of legitimate companies or government agencies to make their scam seem more credible.
How can I protect myself from sweepstakes and lottery scams?
- Never pay a fee to claim a prize. Legitimate sweepstakes and lottery companies do not require you to pay any fees to claim your prize.
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited contact from someone claiming that you have won a prize.
- Do your research. If you are contacted by someone claiming that you have won a prize, do some research to make sure that the company is legitimate. You can check the company’s website or contact the Better Business Bureau.
- If you think you have been the victim of a sweepstakes or lottery scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can file a complaint online at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1–877-FTC-HELP (1–877–382–4357).
Tips for Seniors
- Seniors are often targeted by sweepstakes and lottery scams. If you are a senior, be especially careful of any unsolicited contact from someone claiming that you have won a prize.
- Never give out your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to someone you do not know.
- If you are unsure about whether or not a sweepstakes or lottery is legitimate, contact the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general’s office.
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