Don't Be Vulnerable to Sweepstakes Check Scams this Holiday

Maine's Times Record News ran a story recently about the all-too prevalent sweepstakes check scam, where unsuspecting victims receive a check in the mail with the news that they've won a sweepstakes or lottery. Kenneth Hicks, the victim in the story reported by Rachel Ganong, was especially vulnerable because the $3,800 check could have made a big difference during Christmastime. Luckily, the 73-year-old man checked out the check with his tax preparers before depositing it and learned about the scam.

Even if your holiday bills are piling up, or you're not able to get everyone the presents that you'd really like to buy this year, it's important to keep your common sense about you when you receive sweepstakes win notifications. Remember that any real win over $600 would require you to complete an affidavit before sending any money (checks of that size won't just appear in the mail), and that lotteries don't notify you when you win (you have to check your numbers). Most of all, remember that if they are asking for money for you to receive your win, it's surely a scam.

To help you recognize a check scam quickly, check out this sample sweepstakes check scam letter, which can help alert you if you receive any similar scam attempts. Remember that before you get excited about a win, you should check to make sure that it does not have any of the Top Warning Signs of a Sweepstakes Scam.