State Attorneys General have taken action against some companies whose solicitations have falsely convinced entrants that they've won millions of dollars. In one scam, companies may mail, or magazines, for example, may offer, opportunities to solve puzzles and win prizes. Although these contests may be referred to as sweepstakes, they are not. You must both pay and submit puzzle solutions to enter. You continue to solve puzzles and pay additional fees as you advance to higher and higher levels.
Some contests have no expiration date and no apparent end or winner.
To find out what you have won, you must call a 900 number. Or you may be told you've won one of several prizes listed, but that you have to make a donation or remit the cost of service charges, registration, handling, shipping, taxes, etc., to claim it. Although requiring such payment is against California law, fraudulent promoters do not always comply with the law. On the other hand, if the sweepstakes is legitimate, you will not have to pay anything to redeem your prize. The promoter will even pay the charges for delivering merchandise you've won to you.