#1You *You have to provide your credit card number to cover the shipping and handling fee, lawyer fees etc. or “taxes” to process your winnings. This may be for just a small amount – about $3 or $4. They want you to think, “It isn’t much money, so why not risk it?”#2In *In a texting competition or a texting trivia scam, the scammers make money by charging extremely high rates for the messages you send, and any further messages they send to you.#3You *You have to call a “900” phone number to find out what you have “won.” If you call a “900” number you are paying for the call.#4You *You have to make “a small purchase” (typically a few hundred dollars’ worth of small items such as pens, key chains, or light bulbs) to get the prize.#5You *You have to provide your credit card number or chequing account number for “verification” purposes. As soon as someone has your credit card number they can use it; they do not need to have your signature.#6You *You have to send a certified cheque.#7You *You are pressured to buy “on the spot” because the prize is available for a “limited time only.”

#1Don’t *Don’t pay to win or enter. Buying goods or services won’t increase your chances of winning. #2Don’t *Don’t call a 900 number. #3Never *Never give your credit card number, number to someone who claims they will “deposit winnings” in your account.#4Be *Be wary about responding to text messages or missed calls that come from numbers you don’t recognise.