Don’t leave fraud to luck this St. Patrick’s Day!
Press release from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, remember that protecting yourself from fraud takes more than luck.
Prize scams often increase around holidays and special promotions. In these scams, fraudsters claim you have won a large prize, sweepstakes, or contest that you never entered. They then ask for payment, taxes, or processing fees to release your “winnings.” In some cases, they request personal information to “verify” your identity.
The goal is to collect your money or sensitive information before you realize the prize is not real. Remember: real prizes never require upfront payment, and if you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.
Red Flags
- Being told you won a prize you never signed up for
- Requests for payment, taxes, or fees to claim the prize
- Pressure to act quickly or keep your winnings a secret
Tips to Avoid Prize Scams
- Never pay fees or provide personal information to claim an unexpected prize
- Verify sweepstakes or contest legitimacy independently through official sources
- Be cautious of calls, emails, texts, or letters claiming you’ve won when you did not enter
This St. Patrick’s Day, don’t rely on luck—take a moment to pause, verify, and protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.
Where to Report on a Suspected Scam
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://complaint.ic3.gov/
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service: 1-800-372-8347 or https://www.uspis.gov/report
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
- HHS Office of Inspector General: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud or 1-800-447-8477
Smart choices beat luck every time. Operation Senior Shield and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs are here to help you stay informed, protected, and scam smart.