mr. michael right away. so she did. >> he told me he worked with dave sawyer, and that he would be here with channel 9news to present meith my winnings. you are the second place winner. we need $5200 to pay you a tax. >> reporter: willie always dreamed of being one of those squealing and elated winners. but she sensed something wasn't quite right. she was told to wire the money to a west virginia address. she hung up and then called us. >> you within going to be here. >> reporter: willie was the target of a sweepstakes scam that is sweeping thousands of dollars from the pockets of unsuspecting consumers, all across the country. in 2012 the federal trade commission more than 98,000 complaints. the agency estimates more than one scam took in more than $11 million, mostly from senior citizens. >> the reason why they approach you is really twofold. either to get your money or to get your personal identifying information. >> reporter: even the popular sweepstakes publisher's clearinghouse has posted tips and warnings on its website to warn customers about this growing trend. >> this is your asset. this is your portfolio. an