The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are calling people at random, claiming they’ve won a prize, sweepstakes, or lottery. These fraudsters often say you must pay a fee,
provide bank details, or share personal information to claim your winnings. In reality, legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to receive a prize. Scammers use excitement and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly, often stealing money or sensitive data in the process.
To protect yourself, hang up immediately if someone calls claiming you’ve won a prize you didn’t enter to win. Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to claim a reward, and don’t share personal or financial information over the phone. If you’re unsure whether a prize offer is real, verify it independently by contacting the organization directly using official contact information—not the number provided by the caller. Reporting suspicious calls to the FTC helps stop scammers from targeting others.
MVSB is dedicated to helping customers recognize and avoid financial scams. If you receive a suspicious call or believe your personal information may have been compromised, contact us right away for assistance. Our team can help you review your accounts for unusual activity, strengthen account security, and provide guidance on protecting your finances from fraud.
