Sweepstake Scams

DC consumers have received calls from con artists claiming the consumer has just won a huge amount of money. In one case the consumer apparently won $350,000—all the consumer had to do to collect it was send in $1,500 in fees and taxes. DON'T FALL FOR THIS.

• A legitimate sweepstake will not ask you to pay any taxes or other fees before you can receive your prize (not even a small amount).
• Be suspicious if you've won a contest you can't even remember entering.
• Be suspicious if you can't get a toll-free number and address from the company.
• Be suspicious if the caller asks for your credit card number or bank account number. A con artist may claim that this is just for "proof of eligibility" and then take money from your account without your authorization.