Overview
Lottery and sweepstakes scams notify victims they have won a large prize in a contest they never entered. To claim the prize, victims must pay taxes, processing fees, or insurance costs upfront. The prize never materializes, and scammers continue requesting payments for additional fees. These scams especially target seniors and can result in devastating financial losses over extended periods.
How This Scam Works
Victims receive calls, emails, texts, or letters announcing they have won a large prize in a lottery or sweepstakes.
To claim the winnings, victims must pay upfront fees for taxes, processing, insurance, or currency conversion.
After paying initial fees, scammers invent additional costs that must be paid before the prize can be released.
Some scammers send fake checks that bounce after the victim deposits them and sends money to cover supposed fees.
Warning Signs
Real Scam Examples
These are examples of messages used in this type of scam.
CONGRATULATIONS! Your email has been selected as the winner of the Euro Millions International Lottery. You have won 2,500,000 EUR. To process your winnings, please remit a processing fee of $299 via Western Union to our claims agent.
Official Notification: You are the Grand Prize Winner of the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Prize amount: $750,000. To release your funds, please call our claims department and provide your bank routing number for direct deposit of your winnings.
How to Protect Yourself
1Remember the golden rule
You cannot win a contest you did not enter. Period. Any notification saying otherwise is a scam.
2Never pay to collect a prize
Legitimate contests never require winners to pay fees, taxes, or processing charges to receive their prize. All costs are deducted from winnings.
3Do not deposit unexpected checks
Fake checks can take weeks to bounce. If you deposit one and spend the money, you will owe the bank the full amount plus fees.
4Warn family members, especially seniors
Lottery scams disproportionately target older adults. Talk to elderly family members about these scams and help them recognize the warning signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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