financial scams
Congratulations - You Have Just Won!
Lottery and sweepstakes scams promise large prizes, but can leave you feeling like a big loser. Offers to “play” come in the mail, by email, or even over the Internet or phone. What’s one way to know you’re being scammed?
- If the contest is being conducted by a large company.
- If the contest only awards prizes to a few contestants.
- If the contest requires you to pay money to compete or collect your prize.
“C” is correct. It’s illegal for sweepstakes companies to require you to buy something to participate. Don’t be pressured to pay for products, shipping, or delivery just to receive a prize. If you have to “pay” to collect, you aren’t “winning,” you’re “buying.” Also be aware that sweepstakes scammers often use Internet technology to make it look like they are calling you locally, but they may be anywhere in the world.