05/19/2026
🚨 SCAM ALERT: “You’ve Won the Lottery/Publisher Clearing House Winner” Letters Are Still Circulating 🚨
If you receive a letter, email, text, or phone call claiming you won a huge prize from a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered — it’s almost certainly a scam.
We had a community member stop by yesterday with this letter that also included a fake check which he was instructed to cash to "help cover the cost of the taxes". What they want you to do is cash the check, withdraw and send them the money before your bank notifies you the check is fraudulent. Now you are responsible to cover the amount of money you withdrew from the bank.
Scammers often use fake logos, official-sounding language, and urgent deadlines to pressure people into sending money or personal information.
⚠️ Common Warning Signs of a Lottery/Sweepstakes Scam:
❌ You’re told you won a prize for a contest you never entered
❌ They ask you to pay “fees,” “taxes,” or “processing costs” before receiving winnings
❌ They pressure you to act immediately or keep it secret
❌ The message contains spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or suspicious formatting
❌ They ask for banking details, ID numbers, or copies of personal documents
❌ They request payment through wire transfer, gift cards, crypto, or cash deposits
❌ The contact information looks suspicious or doesn’t match the real company
❌ The prize amount is unusually large and “too good to be true”
❌ The letter includes a check they want you to deposit and later withdraw to pay them.
🛑 Remember:
Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes do NOT require upfront payments to claim winnings.
✅ How to Protect Yourself:
• Never send money to claim a prize
• Do not share personal or banking information
• Verify the company through official sources
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member before responding
• Report scams to your local consumer protection agency or fraud reporting center
📢 Share this post to help protect friends, family, and older adults who are often targeted by these scams.
