How a Detroit Couple Was Scammed by a Fake $750K Lottery Win

JB Quinnon
5 days ago
2 min read

A Detroit couple’s dream of financial freedom quickly turned into a financial nightmare when a convincing scam letter claimed they had won $750,000 from Publishers Clearing House. The Eubanks family, eager to claim what they believed was a legitimate prize, followed the instructions in the letter—only to learn they had fallen victim to a common and costly hoax.

The letter informed them that before receiving their “winnings,” they would need to pay $8,900.40 upfront to cover taxes. This tactic is a red flag used frequently in lottery scams: fraudsters lure victims with promises of large sums of money, then demand payment for supposed taxes, processing fees, or legal services.

Thankfully, the Eubanks contacted Local 4’s “Help Me Hank” team before sending any more money. The investigative team confirmed the letter was a fraud and helped warn other community members to stay alert.

Consumer protection experts emphasize that no legitimate lottery or sweepstakes will ever ask for money in advance. If you're asked to pay to claim a prize, it’s a scam—plain and simple.

What to Watch Out For:

Letters or emails claiming large winnings you never entered for
Requests for upfront payments or “processing” fees
Urgent language encouraging you to act quickly or keep it secret
Fake checks included in the letter that bounce after you send your payment

What to Do If You Receive One:

Don’t respond or send money
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s consumer protection agency
Consult trustworthy sources or news outlets to verify claims
Talk to someone you trust before taking action
This Detroit couple’s experience is a reminder that if something sounds too good to be true—it probably is. Always verify and never pay to claim a prize.