Beware of Sweepstakes Scams

February 8, 2019

Recent news reports of big sweepstakes award winners give many of us hope that, one day, we will be a winner too. While a few consumers do get lucky and win a legitimate sweepstakes, others fall victim to common sweepstakes scams.

Sweepstakes scams generally begin when someone unexpectedly contacts you and claims that you have won a prize. Many times, the scam comes in the form of a fake foreign lottery or a phony notice that appears to come from a well-recognized sweepstakes company. You are asked to send a fee to collect your winnings, but if you pay, the prize never comes. 

Some sweepstakes scams start on social media. Scammers may pose as “friends” on social media in order to gain trust. They then contact you via direct message saying that you’ve won money.
 
To avoid sweepstakes and social media scams, remember:

• Legitimate sweepstakes or lotteries will not charge you to receive your prize. 
• Con artists often ask their victims to send money using wire transfer, cash, or gift card, so be skeptical when asked to pay using one of these methods. 
• In general: you cannot win a contest you did not enter; you cannot win a lottery unless you purchase a ticket; U.S. citizens are not eligible to win foreign lotteries.
• Be skeptical if a “friend” sends you a message saying you’ve won a lot of money. The message may be part of a scam.
• As with any unsolicited communication, research the offer before you consider replying. A quick internet search as to the legitimacy of the contest could prevent heartache and financial loss.