Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams | Consumer Advice
May 5, 2021 · You get a call, email, or letter saying you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize — like an iPad, a new car, or something else. But you can tell it’s a scam because of what they do next: they ask you to pay money or give them your account information to get the prize.
Are you really the lucky winner? Spot the prize scams
Sweepstakes, prize, and lottery frauds are among the top scams people report to the FTC. These scams usually start with a call or message that says you’re a winner. (A lie.) They say to get the so-called prize you have to send money or click somewhere to give your information.
Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams
Jun 5, 2018 · Winners are losers in lottery & sweepstakes scams. You get a card, call, or email telling you that you won! Maybe it’s a lottery, sweepstakes, or some other prize. The person calling is excited and can’t wait for you to get your winnings.
"You've Won" Scams | Consumer Advice - Federal Trade Commission
By filing a complaint, you can help the FTC's investigators identify scammers and stop them before they can get someone’s hard-earned money. It really makes a difference. You get a call, letter, email, or text saying that you won! Maybe it’s a …
Fake prize offers don’t pay | Consumer Advice
Mar 5, 2021 · Here are a few tips you can share about prize and lottery scams when you chat: Legitimate contests don’t ask you to pay a fee, or give your bank account or credit card number to get your prize. Never send money by wire transfer, gift card , or cryptocurrency .
Free money on social media? Nah. It’s a scam | Consumer Advice
May 22, 2024 · Scammers are impersonating lottery winners on social media, often using the names of real winners to make their posts sound legit. If you reply to their posts, the fake lottery winner might ask for your phone number and send a text saying you won the money but need to …
New crypto payment scam alert | Consumer Advice - Federal …
Jan 10, 2022 · Any unexpected tweet, text, email, call, or social media message — particularly from someone you don’t know — asking you to pay them in advance for something, including with cryptocurrency, is a scam. If you spot something like this, tell the FTC right away at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How To Avoid a Scam | Consumer Advice - Federal Trade …
Four Signs That It’s a Scam. 1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the FTC, Social Security Administration, IRS, or …
Prize and Grant Scams | Consumer Advice - Federal Trade …
Dec 4, 2023 · Sweepstakes, prize, and lottery frauds are among the top scams people report to the FTC. These scams usually start with a call or message that says you’re a winner. (A lie.) They say to get the so-called prize you have to send money or click somewhere to give your information. Don’t.
“You’ve won! Now pay us” is always a scam. | Consumer Advice
Aug 12, 2020 · Scammers don’t just scam one person. Tell your friends and family about the scam so they can avoid it. Then report it to the FTC: ftc.gov/complaint.