Contests, Lotteries, Sweepstakes, & Prize Promotions
Whether it is a bogus contest, lottery, sweepstakes, or prize promotion, scammers will send an authentic looking check, cashier’s check, or money order to be deposited into your bank account.
How the scam works
The con artist requests that you send back a portion of the money for shipping, taxes, processing fees, or other reasons. These checks are fake but look very real. Even bank tellers may be fooled. It may take weeks for the forgery to be discovered and the check to bounce. By that time, the con artist has your cash, and you will owe your bank for any money withdrawn and any bounced check fees.
Tips
• Never agree to pay to claim a prize or a gift.
• If they request that you wire them money, it is a scam and you will not get your money back! End the transaction immediately.
• Do not enter foreign lotteries.
• Resist any pressure to “act now.”
If they request that you wire them money, it is a scam!
Information provided on www.datcp.wi.gov. Check out The Wisconsin Senior Guide at www.datcp.wi.gov/pages/publications/seniorguide.aspx