“You’ve Won” Scams

You get a call, an email, or a piece of mail telling you that you have won. Maybe it’s a trip, a prize, a lottery, or a sweepstakes. The person calling is so excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings. You may not even remember entering the drawing for the prize or sweepstakes.

But here’s what happens next: The scammer tells you there’s an upfront fee, taxes, or customs that you must pay before you can get your winnings. They may ask for your credit card number or account information, or they may ask you to wire them money or mail cash.

But there is no prize. If you do send money, they will continue asking you for more and more money, but you will never receive any winnings because it is a scam. Keep in mind: You never have to pay up front if you have won a legitimate sweepstakes or lottery, and you cannot win a sweepstakes or lottery that you did not enter.

• Keep your money and your information to yourself. Never share your financial information with someone who contacts you and claims to need it. Never send money at the direction of someone you do not know.
• Share this information with a friend. You may know someone who needs a reminder.