Who wouldn’t dream of winning thousands—or even millions—of dollars, or a luxury vacation? Legitimate sweepstakes and contests do exist, and the excitement of a big prize can be irresistible. Unfortunately, scammers know this too—and they’re ready to exploit it.
Fraudulent sweepstakes often come with major red flags. If you’re asked to pay upfront fees or taxes to claim a prize, it’s a scam. No legitimate contest will ever require payment to receive winnings. Another warning sign: requests for sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank account details. Real sweepstakes do not need this information to award a prize.
If an unexpected chance to win triggers a rush of excitement or urgency, treat it as a warning. Pause. Think carefully about who is contacting you and what they’re asking. A moment of reflection could save you thousands of dollars.
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud
Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
