Prize and lottery wins that need a fee first
You are told you won a lottery or prize, but taxes or fees must be paid before it can be released, often by gift card.
How it works
The win arrives by phone, mail, or social media. The catch is always the same: pay a fee, tax, or insurance first, commonly with Apple gift cards or a wire transfer. After you pay, there is another fee, and another. The prize never existed. DRPS lists lottery fraud among the recurring scams targeting Durham seniors.
The tell: You have to pay something to receive a prize. Real winnings never cost money to collect.
What to do
- Remember the rule: if you did not enter, you did not win. Real lotteries never charge winners to collect.
- Never buy gift cards as a payment for anything. Gift cards are for gifts only.
Sources
If this has already happened to you, our scam recovery visit can lock down your accounts and devices. And if you are just not sure whether something is a scam, asking us is always free.