Some scam artists are boldly using the name of the Federal Trade Commission to try to convince you, you've hit it big. Technology is helping them trick people.

The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, says people are getting phone calls saying they've won a sweepstakes prize. The names of the groups the scammers have used so far are the Federal Trade Commission, the National Consumer Protection Agency, and the National Sweepstakes Bureau, which does not exist. The scammers place these calls from all over the world, but the government says they can manipulate the call to make it look like it's coming from Washington D.C. on your caller ID. Then the usual scam ensues: you're asked to wire money to cover taxes, fees, or insurance on your prize.

Remember, if you have to pay something up front to get a prize, then you haven't won anything. Also, wiring money is a big red flag since it can't be traced once the cash is picked up.