“You won a prize” text or email — is it real?
Unsolicited “you’ve won” texts and emails are almost always a scam. The tells, what the senders are really after, and what to do if you get one.
How to claim a sweepstakes prize
What happens after a win notice: the affidavit, the W-9, the response deadline, and the 1099 in January — and why claiming a prize never costs you money.
Sweepstakes scam warning signs: spotting a fake win notice
If you have to pay to collect a prize, it is not a prize. The red flags of a fake sweepstakes win, the fake-check trick, and how a real win actually works.
Is Publishers Clearing House legit?
Publishers Clearing House is a real company that awards real prizes, and it is free to enter. How it works — and how to spot the scams that use its name.