Legitimate contests do not require either. Do not fall prey to high-pressure requests to donate money or make a purchase. This is a sure sign of a scam. Do not listen to anyone who says you must make a decision right now or lose your chance to buy a product or service. Do not participate in risk free investment offers.
All investments have some risk.
Do not listen to an offer that sounds too good to be true. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. Senior citizens do not need to get sucked in by these slick, fast talking schemers. A healthy dose of skepticism can keep the scam artists away.