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Prize / Lottery Scam
"You've won! Just pay a fee to claim it."
How this scam works
You're told you won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize — but must first pay 'taxes' or a 'processing fee' to release the winnings. There is no prize.
🚩 Red flags
- •You 'won' a contest you never entered
- •Must pay a fee or taxes upfront to collect
- •Asked to keep it secret or act fast
- •Payment by gift card, wire, or crypto
✅ What to do
Hang up. Legitimate prizes never require an upfront payment to claim.
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