The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is warning consumers to be on the alert for individuals who are committing sweepstakes, lottery, and inheritance scams by impersonating District of Columbia government and other officials, attorneys, or contest sponsors. In 2023, there were 3,440 reports of these types of scams in the District, with an estimated loss to consumers of $1,245,000.
Be on the Lookout
If you receive a letter or phone call claiming you have won a luxury vacation or a considerable sum of cash, try to identify the caller’s credentials and contact information. Typically, the caller committing fraud will ask the consumer to pay fees to receive their winnings.
Be aware that legitimate sweepstakes authorities never require winners to pay handling charges, service fees, taxes, or any charges upfront to receive a prize.
Avoid Sweepstakes Scams
- Be mindful of letters or calls congratulating you for winning sweepstakes that you do not recall entering.
- Verify the authenticity of the entity by contacting DISB or the Office of the Attorney General.
- Never share any of your financial information.
- Never pay upfront fees to receive a prize you have supposedly won.
- Report all scams to DISB or local or federal law enforcement authorities.
Report Fraud
If you live in the District and have been contacted by an individual impersonating a District of Columbia government official or other professional, you should: Contact the DISB Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division at (202) 727-8000 or call the District’s Office of the Attorney General at (202) 442-9828 to verify the authenticity of the business, the law firm, and their representatives.