Before You Celebrate Your Big ‘Prize’… Read This.

For many people, the dream phone call or check in the mail from a sweepstakes or lottery company feels exciting, maybe even life-changing. Scammers know that, too. According to recent reports to the BBB Scam Tracker, fraudsters are impersonating legitimate organizations like Publishers Clearing House and tricking people into paying for prizes that don’t actually exist...and it's happening right your in community.

Here’s what to watch for...

🚨 How the Scam Works

You receive a phone call or letter with a check in the mail from someone claiming to be with Publishers Clearing House. They sound official. They tell you you’ve won 'millions of dollars' and a maybe even a 'brand-new car'. They may even show you photos of your “prize” or claim a celebrity will show up at your doorstep to present it.

But then comes the catch:
Before you can receive anything, you must pay an upfront fee for an “IRS requirement,” “broker’s fee,” or another made-up charge.

Scammers may pressure you to:

- Buy a gift card and read the numbers over the phone
- Send money to a bank account
- Mail cash or gift cards to an out-of-state address
- Share personal of financial information (bank account numbers or details about your savings)

Below is a sample letter claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House. ⬇️

These “fees” can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars — and once paid, the scammer usually disappears.

If you hang up, they may call repeatedly, leave messages, or try to intimidate you into paying.

Publishers Clearing House reminds consumers: We will never call, private message, send you a letter,  or ask anyone to pay to receive a prize.

Below is an image of the check that came with the letter. ⬇️

READ MORE | BBB Scam Alert: Don't fall for this sweepstakes scam impersonating Publishers Clearing House

⚠️ How to Avoid Sweepstakes Scams

1. You must enter to win. If you didn't sign up for a sweepstakes, you didn't win one. 

2. Never pay upfront fees. Legit sweepstakes do NOT require payment for taxes, shipping, processing, or prize delivery.

3. Don't let excitement cloud your judgement. Scammers try to get you emotional so you'll act quickly. 

4. Be cautious of gift card demands. The BBB reports that gift cards are one of the most common payment methods used by scammers because they're hard to trace.

5. Protect your personal information. Never share bank details, Social Security numbers, or financial information with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.