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

Common causes

- Calls or letters claiming a big prize
- Fees for taxes, shipping or processing
- Requests to keep the win a secret
- Fake checks that bounce after you send money back

## 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.

Get it fixed[Call us](https://wisconsintechshop.com/contact/#call)

## 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](https://wisconsintechshop.com/senior-safety/family-scam-alerts/): 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. (From $150)
- [Call Screening for Seniors (Only Approved Numbers Ring)](https://wisconsintechshop.com/senior-safety/senior-call-screening/): 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. (From $400 plus phone service)
- [Help After a Scam: Seniors & Families](https://wisconsintechshop.com/senior-safety/elder-scam-recovery-help/): 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. (From $250)

## 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](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/parent-gave-scammer-remote-access/)
- [Got a “Grandma, I’m in Trouble” Call](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/grandparent-scam-call/)
- [Asked to Pay With Gift Cards](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/gift-card-scam/)
- [Fake Amazon or Refund Call About an Overpayment](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/fake-refund-scam/)
- [Call Saying Medicare or Social Security Is Suspended](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/medicare-social-security-scam-call/)
- [Elderly Parent Getting Scam Calls All Day](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/parent-gets-scam-calls-all-day/)
- [Parent Keeps Getting Scam Emails](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/parent-gets-scam-emails/)
- [Text About an Unpaid Toll or Missed Package](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/scam-texts-toll-package/)
- [Email Saying Your Geek Squad, Norton or McAfee Plan Renewed](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/fake-antivirus-renewal-email/)
- [Worried a Parent Is in an Online Romance Scam](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/romance-scam-warning-signs/)

[All tech fixes](https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/)

## 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](https://wisconsintechshop.com/contact/#call)

---
Source: https://wisconsintechshop.com/fix/sweepstakes-prize-scam/
Contact: hello@wisconsintechshop.com · https://wisconsintechshop.com/contact/