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    Lottery & Prize Scams

    You 'won' a prize but need to pay a fee first

    🔍 How It Works

    You receive a call, email, or letter saying you've won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize. But to claim it, you need to pay 'taxes,' 'processing fees,' or 'shipping costs' first. Real prizes never require upfront payment.

    📝 Real Examples

    • •A letter says you've won $500,000 in a foreign lottery. Just send $200 for processing fees.
    • •You get a call that you've won a new car, but need to pay $1,500 in taxes before delivery.
    • •An email says you won a Publisher's Clearinghouse prize — click here and enter your bank details.

    ⚠️ Warning Signs

    • •You didn't enter any contest
    • •You must pay to receive the prize
    • •They want gift cards or wire transfers
    • •It's a foreign lottery
    • •They pressure you to act quickly

    🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

    • •Remember: you can't win a contest you didn't enter
    • •Never pay fees to collect a prize
    • •Real prizes are free — no taxes paid upfront
    • •Search online for the company name + 'scam'

    📋 What To Do If It Happens

    • •Do not pay anything
    • •Do not give out bank or personal information
    • •Throw away the letter or delete the email
    • •Report it to the FTC

    📞 Where to Report

    • •FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
    • •Your state Attorney General
    • •US Postal Inspection: uspis.gov