Do People Really Win Sweepstakes?

If you've ever wondered who takes home the stunning HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes, read my interview with Don Cruz. Don Cruz won the 2005 HGTV Dream Home in Lake Tyler, Texas. This really was Don's dream home, and he and his wife and son moved into the sprawling mansion and kept it for three years. Eventually, Don and his family sold the home, but this interview shows just what a positive experience winning this huge prize was for him.

• All About the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes
• Past HGTV Dream Home Giveaway Winners
• Could Taxes Spell the End of ​the Dream for HGTV Winners?

Not many people can tell you how it feels to win a million dollars AND how it feels to share that joy by bringing the good news to another lucky winner. But Natalie Bostelman, who became an instant millionaire with Publishers Clearing House in 2008, is one of those lucky few. Read her story.

• Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes FAQ
• Top Ways to Win with Publishers Clearing House
• Behind the Scenes with the PCH Prize Patrol

When you walk into a McDonald's restaurant, you're usually hoping to leave with a Fillet of Fish or some crispy fries. But Michele B. of Beaumont, Texas received much ​more from McDonald's in 2008 -- a game code for the McDonald's Monopoly Sweepstakes that ended up being worth $100,000! Read how she did it.

• All About McDonald's Monopoly Sweepstakes
• More McDonald's Monopoly Winners

At 12 years old, Kyria Henry started a charitable organization called Paws4People, which trains assistance dogs (and assistance dog trainers) to help kids and vets with physical, neurological, and psychological problems. Her passion for helping others made her the $128,000 winner in Ikea's 2010 Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest. Read her story and her tips.

• How to Win Writing Contests
• Tips to Improve Your Writing for Contests
• Sweepstakes and Contests with Mega Prizes

Charl wasn't very interested in sweepstakes when she entered an under-the-cap promotion from Dr. Pepper. Little did she know that something she did in a moment of boredom would result in a life-changing trip to Egypt. Now Charl is hooked on sweepstakes and enters regularly. Read more about her experience.

• Enter Sweepstakes to Win Trips Abroad

Carol Earheart didn't think very much of vacation sweepstakes... until she won an amazing trip for two to San Antonio, Texas. She and a girlfriend dined in style at Ruth Chris Steakhouse, enjoyed the Riverwalk, and enjoyed a day at the spa. 

• Vacation Sweepstakes to Enter

Suzy won a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend a private party with pop star Madonna as well as other celebrities like Sarah Michelle Gellar of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame and Baywatch Babe Nicole Eggert. All she did to win was call her local radio station when they announced a contest.

• Tips about Winning Radio Contests
• Which Sweepstakes Have the Best Odds of Winning?

Liz threw a couple of entries into a local sweepstakes to see what would happen - and she won! That win led to another, and another, and soon Liz was hooked on sweeping! She wrote:

"Along with family and friends telling me I was lucky, I started to believe it myself. So, I ran across a newsletter to subscribe to on the internet that published sweepstakes. I subscribed, and haven't looked back since. I've won...

• 2 trips to SeaWorld (Orlando)
• trips to Disneyland and Disney World
• a trip to Hong Kong (through Turning Leaf Vineyards) in which we requested cash instead due to the incidences of American kidnappings overseas at that time-(we received $12,500.00)
• trips to NASCAR events (Talladega - from Arby's Roast Beef) and Fort Worth Budweiser 500 (Budweiser).

• a car from 7-Eleven
• a trip to London from a local radio station
• a $7,500.00 Polaris ATV from Lowe's Building Supply (which we sold it to the dealer assigned to deliver it for $5,000.00)"

and much more. The secret to her success?

"The attitude of expecting to win is what I think helps it happen. Expect to win, expect to receive that special affidavit in the mail or from UPS/FedEX, and someday, soon, it will happen."

As you can see, people really do win sweepstakes prizes, including cars, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, vacations, and much more. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are people out there who will prey on your dreams of winning. Here are some articles that will help you avoid falling for sweepstakes scams:

• Before You Enter Sweepstakes - How to Recognize Legitimate Sweepstakes
• Before You Respond to a Win Notification - How to Research a Win
• Top Signs of a Sweepstakes Scam
• Alert! You Don't Have to Pay to Win!