Who doesn’t want to be a winner? Unfortunately, some of these claims that you’re a winner are losing propositions. Scams involving gifts and prizes are an ongoing problem for Miami Valley residents.

These scams arrive in the mail, online or even on your mobile device. They try to lure you in with promises of gifts of all sizes: jewelry, vacations, vehicles, cash, etc.

People are reporting these types of scams to the Better Business Bureau daily.

According to a National Consumer League report, these so-called prize, sweepstakes and free gift notifications were the No. 1 scam in 2011.

Scammers offer prizes or gifts to entice you to send money, often claiming the money is to cover taxes or fees. If you do fall for the scam, you may be taken for a ride.

Many are accompanied by bogus checks for several thousand dollars, which you’re instructed to cash or deposit and send money back.

Others may request bank account information to directly withdraw fees, emptying the account instead.

On a daily basis, people are sending money for prizes that aren’t worth the money sent. Some don’t receive a prize at all.

With the recent explosion of mobile devices and other technological devices, scam artists are finding new ways to prey on innocent people. For example, a company may send a text message to offer you a free gift card if you click on the link. Some of these messages originate from overseas making it much harder for law enforcement to track or even stop it.

The BBB offers a few tips to keep you and your money safe:

• Never click on a link in an email or text message from an unfamiliar person or organization.

• Delete emails or text messages offering free gifts or prizes.

• Be leery if the notification is difficult to read because of grammatical errors and misspellings. Likewise, be suspicious if they originate from foreign countries such as Australia, Germany or Canada.

• Don’t provide personal information like credit card numbers, bank account information or Social Security numbers to strangers.

•Remember, prizes are free. No taxes or fees should have to be paid prior to receiving the prize.

• Keep in mind you can’t win lotteries or sweepstakes if you haven’t completed an entry or purchased tickets.

If you have any questions regarding any of these scams, visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.