Q. My father recently received a random email that says he won an iPad Mini. He sent $50 to cover the shipping and handling about a month ago, but still hasn't received anything. Do you think he's been scammed out of his money?
-Adrian, from Mankato, MN, listens to my national radio show on KTOE 1240 AM/102.7 FM. 

A. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I definitely think your dad's been scammed, Adrian. He'll never see that gadget or get that money back.

How do I know it's a scam without knowing all of the details? It has all the signs of one of the more popular online scams that has helped crooks steal billions over the years. It's especially rampant this time of year. I list 5 holiday scams you need to watch out for here. 

I can't help your dad get the money back, but I can give your family a few ways to avoid this sort of scam in the future. Just be sure to forward this tip to them!

The dead giveaway that your father was scammed is that he had to pay money up front. A prize isn't that much of a prize if you have to pay cash to unlock your winnings.