Tech fixes · Scams Targeting Seniors & Families
Told You Won a Lottery or Prize but Must Pay First? It’s a Scam
Real prizes never require a payment, a gift card or your bank details first. Hang up or delete the message. Anyone who already paid should stop now: these scammers come back with new “fees” again and again.
Also searched as: won a sweepstakes pay fees · Publishers Clearing House scam call · lottery winnings scam · prize requires taxes upfront
- Starting price
- From $150
- Where
- Remote, anywhere in the U.S.
- Quote
- Fixed price before work starts
Try this first
- Don’t pay anything or share bank details
- Hang up and block the number
- Don’t deposit checks from a “prize” company
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Tell the family: these scammers often call repeatedly
When it’s more than a quick fix
If bank details were shared or a check was deposited, call the bank today; fake checks can bounce days later and leave you owing the money.
How we fix it remotely
We set up call screening and family money alerts so repeat “prize” callers can’t keep reaching your parent.
How a remote fix works
- 1
Tell us what’s happening
Two minutes with the form on this page. No account needed.
- 2
Get a fixed price
A reply within one business day, with the price agreed before any work starts.
- 3
We fix it remotely
You approve access, follow progress and pay in your private client portal.
Related services
Family Scam Alerts & Money Safeguards
Set up the alerts and safeguards that catch scams in time: bank and card alerts to a trusted family member, credit freezes and a plan for what to do when something looks wrong.
Call Screening for Seniors (Only Approved Numbers Ring)
Calls from family, friends, doctors and other approved numbers ring through. Unknown callers are asked who they are or sent to voicemail, and robocalls never ring at all.
Help After a Scam: Seniors & Families
Fast, calm help after a scam: we remove the scammer’s remote-access software, lock down accounts, change passwords and help the family report it and contact the bank.
Questions
But I really entered a sweepstakes.
Real sweepstakes never ask winners to pay to collect. If you entered one, check the official website yourself.
They sent a check. Is that proof?
No. Fake checks are a classic part of this scam. The money will bounce after you’ve sent your own money back.
Can you fix this remotely?
We set up call screening and family money alerts so repeat “prize” callers can’t keep reaching your parent.
More scams targeting seniors & families fixes
- Parent Let a Scammer Into Their Computer
- Got a “Grandma, I’m in Trouble” Call
- Asked to Pay With Gift Cards
- Fake Amazon or Refund Call About an Overpayment
- Call Saying Medicare or Social Security Is Suspended
- Elderly Parent Getting Scam Calls All Day
- Parent Keeps Getting Scam Emails
- Text About an Unpaid Toll or Missed Package
- Email Saying Your Geek Squad, Norton or McAfee Plan Renewed
- Worried a Parent Is in an Online Romance Scam
Want us to just fix it?
Tell us what’s happening. Most problems like this are fixed remotely, often the same day, and every request gets a reply within one business day.
- Big projects and small ones are all welcome
- Fixed-price quotes, no surprise invoices
- You own your code, data and accounts
- A client portal to track progress, invoices and payments
- Rooted in Wisconsin, serving businesses nationwide
Rather talk it through? Call us