A Big Win—or a Big Scam?

Sweepstakes scams have been around for decades, and they continue to work because they tap into something powerful: the excitement and emotions that come with the possibility of winning big. Right now, the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline is seeing a spike in reports of these scams.

Before you or a loved one celebrates a big win, know the warning signs of this scam.

MEMBERS ONLY

HOW IT WORKS

• You receive an unexpected call, text, email, or letter claiming you've won a sweepstakes, lottery, or other prize.
• Before you can collect your winnings, you’re told you must pay fees, taxes, shipping costs, or other charges.
• You may be asked for personal information and directed to pay a specific way via wire transfer, a payment app, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• To appear legitimate, criminals often impersonate government agencies or trusted organizations, such as Publishers Clearing House (which is now in bankruptcy).
• Some scammers even use video calls, fake badges, and official-looking documents to convince you that the prize is real.
• You can’t win a contest you never entered, and legitimate prizes don’t require payment to claim them.
• Like many scams, sweepstakes scams share three key red flags: unexpected contact that leads to a surge of emotion and contains urgency.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• When you notice these three red flags together, take what AARP calls an “active pause”—an intentional step back to think through the situation, and consider what you know about it. That brief pause can help you spot the scam before you have money or personal information stolen.
• If you’re not sure about a contest or company, search their name online with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” to see what others are reporting.
• Learn more about AARP’s campaign, Pause, Reflect, Protect, at aarp.org/pause.