But beware: these official-looking documents -- some with checks enclosed -- are being sent by con artists who want to steal your money or snag your identity.

Here's how to spot the scams:

• You can't win a contest you didn't enter
• Big prize checks are not sent bulk mail
• It's illegal to play foreign lotteries

If the contest is legitimate, you don't have to do any of the following to claim your prize:

• Buy anything or pay anything
• Deposit a check and wire back some money to pay for taxes or handling fees.
• Give out your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number in order to “verify” your identity. You may be required to give a company your SSN for tax reasons. But you should only provide this information when you get your prize and are absolutely certain know you're dealing with a legitimate firm.

If you're sent a check and told to wire back some money -- anywhere for any reason -- it's a scam! Real contests don't work this way. If you wire back the money, the check will turn out to be bogus, and you'll get stuck holding the bag.

These rules apply to contest offers you get in the mail, on the phone, or via the Internet.

Keep in mind: the bad guys always try to rush you into action. They’ll say things like, “I need that charge card number now,” or “You must wire off the money in 48 hours,” or “I'll send a courier to pick up you check.”

Don't fall for that high-pressure pitch: hang up, delete or shred.

Reducing the amount of junk mail you get

The Direct Marketing Association makes it possible to do this. You can opt out of getting mailings from its members. Just remember: this won't stop the con artists from sending you their bogus prize notices. DMA's Mail Preference Service

The credit reporting industry has established a toll-free hotline at 1-888-567-8688 that you can call to opt out of pre-approved credit card mailings. One call does it all! You can opt out for two years or permanently, so listen to all the options on the message before you make your choice. You can also do this online at www.outpoutprescreen.com