Beware of scams with promises of winnings!

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In today's digital era, where information is disseminated at lightning speed and communicating with the world is easier than ever before, online competitions are hugely popular. Whether it's cash, trips or high-end electronics, the prospect of free prizes attracts people from all over the world. But behind the enticing glitz of sweepstakes can lie a sinister threat - scams from alleged solicitors claiming you've won money and demanding you pay up.

Crime prevention

The scam of the fraudsters

The scam by alleged lawyers who claim that you have won money in a competition is perfidious and sophisticated:

Prize notification: You receive an email or a notification via social media claiming that you have won a large sum of money in a competition. The prize is supposedly from a reputable company or a lottery company.
Alleged lawyer appears: Shortly after the notification, an alleged lawyer contacts you. He claims to be acting on behalf of the lottery company or the lottery organizer. The lawyer claims that you have to pay certain fees, taxes or handling charges in order to receive your winnings.
Pressure and threats: The alleged solicitors put pressure on you by claiming that you can only receive the prize if you pay the required fees. They threaten to take legal action if you do not cooperate.
Request for payment: You are asked to transfer money to a specific bank account or disclose personal and financial information in order to pay the alleged fees.
Disappearance: Once you have transferred the money, the scammers disappear and you will never see your promised winnings.

How to protect yourself

Skepticism is advised: Be skeptical if you are contacted unexpectedly by an alleged solicitor claiming that you have won a prize. Sweepstakes winnings usually do not require any upfront payments or fees.
Check the source: If you have entered a sweepstakes, verify the authenticity of the prize notification. Contact the sweepstakes company or lottery company directly to verify that you have actually won.
Do not give out any personal information: Never give out personal or financial information to unknown persons. Real solicitors or lottery organizers do not need sensitive information to give you your prize.
Trust your gut instinct: If something seems strange about the notification or claims, trust your gut and ask friends or family members for advice.
Report the scam: If you are the victim of such a scam, report it immediately to your local police department and consumer protection authorities.

The scam by alleged solicitors after entering a competition is aimed at people's good faith and hope. You can protect yourself from this type of scam and protect your hard-earned money and personal information through healthy mistrust.