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    Sweepstakes Scams

    If you didn't enter — you didn't win.

    The golden rule

    • Real lotteries / sweepstakes never ask for money to claim a prize.
    • Real ones don't require fees, taxes upfront, or shipping.
    • Taxes on real wins are filed with IRS, not sent to lottery.
    • You can't win something you didn't enter.

    Common sweepstakes scams

    • Publishers Clearing House — REAL company, fake calls in their name.
    • "Foreign lottery" — Spanish, Canadian, UK lottery wins.
    • "Tax + shipping" — pay $500 to claim $50K.
    • "Wire transfer money first" — gone forever.
    • Gift cards as payment — 100% scam always.
    • "Don't tell anyone yet" — isolate victim.

    Red flags

    • Phone call or letter you weren't expecting.
    • You don't remember entering.
    • Pressure to act "today."
    • Asks for bank account, SSN, credit card.
    • Asks you to wire money / Western Union / send gift cards.
    • "Lottery officer" or "IRS agent" calling.
    • Check arrives — looks real, deposit + send back portion. Check bounces.

    If you suspect scam

    • Stop ALL communication. Don't argue.
    • Don't deposit any check they sent.
    • Don't send money for any reason.
    • Tell trusted family member.
    • Block phone number + email.
    • Report to FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    • If sent money — call bank IMMEDIATELY, may reverse if quick.

    Stop the calls

    • Register at donotcall.gov — FREE.
    • Phone carrier scam blocking — Verizon Call Filter, AT&T ActiveArmor (free).
    • iPhone — Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers.
    • Android — Phone app → Settings → Spam protection.
    • Don't answer unknown numbers — voicemail = real callers.

    If you fell for one

    Don't be embarrassed. Scammers target SMART seniors. Tell family + bank immediately. Call 1-877-908-3360 (AARP Fraud Watch helpline) — counselors help, no judgment. Police usually can't recover but report still helps. Counseling helps process the loss.