How can you spot a scammer?

It might be a scam if:

1. it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect.
2. someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly.
3. you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address.
4. you’ve been asked to transfer money quickly.

Are Fake sweepstakes illegal?

Federal laws prohibit false representations in sweepstakes and contest or prize promotions. Despite these strict rules, sweepstakes and prize scams are common. Scams may include: Claiming someone has won a contest but has to pay to get a prize, then collecting money and never sending the winnings.

Do you have to pay money if you win a sweepstakes?

You have to pay to get your prize. But real prizes are free. So if someone tells you to pay a fee for “taxes,” “shipping and handling charges,” or “processing fees” to get your prize, you’re dealing with a scammer.

How are sweepstakes legal?

In order for a sweepstakes to be deemed legal, “consideration” needs to be eliminated from the mix, leaving prize and chance. This is why sweepstakes must have an alternate means of entry if a purchase is involved. A contest is a promotion that involves skill, such as a photo or essay contest.

Who won the PCH today 2021?

UXBRIDGE — It’s not every day that someone comes to your door to present you with a $15,000 check. But that’s what happened to Lillian Trottier on Tuesday afternoon, as she was the winner of one of Publishers Clearing House’s cash prize sweepstakes.

How does PCH pick a winner?

At Publishers Clearing House our prize winner selection process is random and unbiased. Each promotional mailing you receive from Publishers Clearing House offers recipients a unique, new Personal SuperPrize Number that provides an opportunity to win our Sweepstakes if it is returned in a timely manner.

How much tax do you pay on sweepstakes winnings?

Cash prizes generally have 24\% withheld for federal income taxes, although winners may owe more at tax time, depending on their other income. For noncash prizes, winners must pay taxes based on the value of the goods received.