057 - Be Cautious With Sweepstakes and Lottery Calls
“If someone says you “won” money but must pay fees or taxes first, it is likely a scam. Legitimate prizes do not require advance payment to collect winnings.”
Who doesn’t love the thrill of a surprise? Getting a phone call out of the blue telling you that you’ve won a major sweepstakes or a massive lottery jackpot sounds like a dream come true. It’s a moment that promises financial relief, comfort, and the chance to take care of your family for generations.
Unfortunately, bad actors love to play on these exact hopes. They call with exciting news, matching your enthusiasm, but then they drop a quiet catch: before you can collect your giant check, you just need to pay a small fee upfront to cover "processing," "shipping," or "state taxes." It feels reasonable in the moment—after all, what’s a few hundred dollars compared to millions?
But here is the unchanging reality of how the world works: legitimate prizes never require you to pay money to get your money. If you have to pay to win, you haven't won a prize; you are being targeted by a scammer.
You can protect your hard-earned savings from these empty promises with a few easy ground rules:
Ask the golden question: If someone claims you won a lottery, ask yourself, "Did I actually buy a ticket for this?" You cannot win a contest you never entered.
Keep your wallet closed: Never send cash, wire money, or buy gift cards to unlock a prize. Legitimate organizations automatically deduct any necessary taxes directly from the winnings before they hand you the check.
Hang up and check with family: If a caller pressures you to keep the win a secret until the fees are paid, treat that as an immediate red flag. Tell a trusted relative or neighbor about the call.
True good fortune doesn't come with a price tag attached. Hanging up on these high-pressure offers ensures your financial independence stays safe and secure.
What Now
If you or an elder you care for has been targeted or impacted by a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize scam, take these immediate protective and recovery steps:
Cease Communications and Do Not Pay: Immediately hang up the phone, stop responding to messages, and block the caller. Never send cash, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to claim a prize. Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes organizations will never require you to pay upfront fees, taxes, or processing costs to collect winnings.
Contact Your Financial Institution Immediately: If you have already sent money, shared bank routing numbers, or provided credit card information, contact your bank or credit card company's fraud department right away. Request that they freeze your accounts, flag your profiles for unauthorized activity, and attempt a chargeback or wire recall.
Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: Reach out to the nonprofit specialists at 877-908-3360 for free, confidential, and empathetic guidance. They can help older adults and caregivers process the emotional impact of the scam, verify suspicious claims, and walk you through a personalized financial recovery plan.
Report the Scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File an official fraud report online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Documenting the details of the imposter's pitch, phone numbers, and demands helps federal law enforcement track down predatory networks and protect other seniors.
Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline: Call the U.S. Department of Justice's dedicated helpline at 1-833-372-8311. A case manager will provide one-on-one assistance to help you log the sweepstakes crime, report it to local law enforcement, and coordinate with the appropriate state and federal authorities.
Local Resources
Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington https://helpingelders.org/
(360) 735-5720
Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program https://ccvlp.org/
(360) 695-5313
YWCA Clark County https://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/
(360) 695-0501
