Bogus sweepstakes continue to be a favorite among con artists. You unexpectedly get a phone call, email, or text announcing you are the lucky winner of a new luxury vehicle and an enormous amount of cash. The catch? Before you get your goodies, you have to pay someone. The scammer may tell you it's for legal fees, taxes, or some other reason. The truth? Federal law prohibits requiring a winner to pay a fee or buy products in order to receive sweepstakes winnings. Anyone telling you otherwise is a loser. Many phony sweepstakes claim to be Publishers Clearinghouse, Readers Digest, or other well-known brands. They may even claim they are coming to your home with the winnings. Don’t believe it.
Never divulge your personal information, banking information, or other sensitive details to someone who claims you are a winner.
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16923-bbb-tip-sweepstakes-lottery-and-prize-scams