Sweepstakes scams are one of the most common scams targeting older adults. These scams prey on people’s hopes of winning big, using promises of cash, cars, vacations, or luxury prizes to trick victims into handing over money or personal information. Understanding how these scams work is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones. In this post, we’ll break down how sweepstakes scams operate, red flags to watch for, who’s most at risk, how to avoid them, and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

What Are Sweepstakes Scams?

A sweepstakes scam is a type of fraud where a scammer claims you’ve won a prize typically without you ever having entered a contest. These scams may come via phone calls, emails, text messages, social media DMs, or even regular mail. One of the most common scams impersonates the very well known Publishers Clearing House (PCH). They utilize this well-known organization for familiarity as well as credibility and trust. In 2024 the AARP “Perfect Scam” Podcast featured a story about a Michigan woman who lost over half a million dollars to scammers posing as publishers clearing house.  A Detroit couple also found themselves victimized by a PCH imposter scam. This problem is so widespread that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning regarding PCH scams specifically (watch the video here). Publishers clearing house has posted an informative warning on their website as well. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a warning on their website as well.

Popular sweepstakes scam tactics include:

• Claiming you’ve won a large cash prize or new car
  
   
• Saying you’ve been selected in a random drawing
  
   
• Before you can claim your prize you are asked to pay a fee or follow a malicious link
  
   
• Requesting payment for taxes, processing fees, or shipping
  
   
• Asking for personal banking or Social Security details to “verify” your win

Red Flags to Watch For

If you encounter any of these warning signs, chances are it’s a scam:

• You didn’t enter a contest
  Legitimate sweepstakes require some form of entry. If you don’t remember entering, be cautious.
  
   
• They ask for money upfront
  Real sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees or taxes before receiving a prize.
  
   
• They pressure you to act immediately
  Scammers create urgency, claiming your prize will be forfeited if you don’t respond quickly.
  
   
• Unfamiliar sender or organization
  Always verify the legitimacy of the organization through official websites and contact information.
  
   
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or generic greetings
  Professional organizations won’t send out sloppily written notifications.
  
   
• Requests for personal or financial information
  Never provide sensitive details like your bank account, Social Security number, or passwords in response to unsolicited communications.
  
   

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can fall victim to sweepstakes scams, certain groups are especially targeted:

• Older adults and senior citizens
  Scammers often prey on seniors due to perceived isolation or lack of digital literacy.
  
   
• People in financial hardship
  The promise of easy money appeals to those struggling financially.
  
   
• Frequent social media users
  Scams frequently spread via fake profiles, messages, or posts promising instant prizes.
  
   
• Email and phone users without spam protection
  People who answer unsolicited calls or open unknown emails are more likely to encounter scam attempts.
  
   

How to Avoid Sweepstakes Scams

Protect yourself with these smart practices:

• Never pay to claim a prize
  
   
• Don’t click on suspicious links or open unexpected attachments
  
   
• Ignore unsolicited calls, emails, or messages about winnings
  
   
• Verify the source by contacting the organization directly through official channels
  
   
• Use call-blocking and spam filtering tools on your phone and email
  
   
• Educate family and friends, especially elderly loved ones, about common scam tactics
  
   

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a sweepstakes scam:

1. Stop all communication with the scammer
   
    
2. Do not send any money or provide further personal information
   
    
3. Report the scam to the following:
   
   
   • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov
     
      
   • Better Business Bureau (BBB): BBB Scam Tracker
     
      
   • Your state’s Attorney General office
     
      
   • Local police department if you’ve sent money or provided personal data
   • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
     
      
4. Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for unusual activity
   
    
5. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus if sensitive info was compromised
   
    

Sweepstakes scams are a growing threat in our hyper-connected world. By staying informed, looking out for red flags, and spreading awareness, you can protect yourself and those around you. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.