Sweepstakes Scam Costs Union County Resident $61K

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A Union County resident reported losing approximately $61,000 in a sweepstakes scam, according to police.

The incident was reported on May 11 by a Scotch Plains resident, who said they were scammed out of the money as part of the scheme.

While few additional details were released, sweepstakes scams often involve victims being told they’ve won money or prizes before being asked to send payments, gift cards, banking information, or other personal details to claim the winnings.

The case highlights the growing number of fraud scams continuing to target residents across New Jersey, with scammers commonly reaching people through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media.

No further information about the incident was immediately available.