Consumer Clearing Reports: Ellen Anderson: Colwell Ellis & Associates, Sarah Ellis Sweepstakes ripoff. "Won" 2nd prize $500,000. Required to pay $65,000 Tax in advance. Jonesville/Schenectady New York

Received a telephone call stating I had won 2nd prize in a sweepstakes for (sit down now) $500,000.  After talking to me for at least 1/2 hour, warning me not to give out any personal information, asking what I would do with the money, etc., I was transferred to a "lawyer" to confirm my status. This "lawyer" then proceeded to inform me that since this was an international sweepstakes that I would need pay $65,000 in U.S. taxes so that Customs (?) can clear the payment of the entire $500,000 to me to be delivered in 2 days. Then a loan company was referenced. At that time I said "Hmmm, I'm not too sure, but I'm still listening." And she hung up.  Two days later a gentleman from the same place called me and asked me what happened.  I told him and he said he would check it out and call back in 5 to 10 minutes.  Guess what??? No one called back!!