Is it customary for sweepstakes awards to be announced by phone?

Question

I was contacted by someone identying themselves as Internationl Prize , Florida. They informed me I had won a large sum of money, but would need to fork over $500 in order to have the registered check courier expressed the same day. What can you tell me?

Answer 1

That sounds like a scam to me.  No legitimate sweepstakes would expect you to pay money up front for anything.

Answer 2

Any legitimate sweepstake will NEVER ask for any type of money - for shipping, registration, or anything.  That is the first sign of a scam.  Many legitimate sweepstakes do notify winners by phone, but they will usually just confirm your address (they won't ask - they give it to you to confirm) and will send any necessary paperwork (an affidavit of eligibility, etc) to you to review and sign.  For smaller prizes (less than $600 in value where they don't have to report tax earnings), they usually just ship them to your address without notifying you at all.

Answer 3

You don't get anything for nothing, , it's a scam do not answer do not give personal information.The following sites give more information

www.scambusters-419.co.uk

www.truthorfiction.com

.Also If you go to the following link you will get some info on ID theft www.identity-theft.org.uk the iinternet is safe enough if you are careful but please answer nothing that you are doubtful about.Good Luck and be careful