Male VO: Everyone likes to hear they’ve won a prize.

Here’s a tip: Scam artists often impersonate government officials to trick you into sending THEM money.

Here’s how it works: You get a call, e-mail or letter that claims you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes.

It might say it’s from a government agency, a trusted insurer or a well-known lottery.

But here’s the catch: The scammers claim that to receive your winnings, you have to pay a fee to cover insurance, shipping charges or taxes.

They tell you to wire them money or provide personal information.  

Unfortunately, it’s a scam. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay money or provide personal information.

And federal agencies don’t give out sweepstakes or lottery prizes.

So if you get one of these messages, report it immediately to the FTC at FTC.gov.

Remember, when it comes to lotteries, prizes and sweepstakes, exercise doubt and check out FTC.gov. A tip from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency.