How to Spot a Lottery Scam
This is an independent, informational guide for UK readers and is not affiliated with the organisations mentioned. It is provided for general information only.
Lottery scams typically tell you that you've won a big prize in a draw you never entered, then ask for an upfront "fee", "tax" or your bank details to release it. The golden rules cut through nearly all of them: you can't win a lottery you didn't enter, and a genuine lottery never asks you to pay anything to claim a prize.
Common lottery scams
Lottery scams usually arrive as an email, text, call or social media message saying you have won a big prize — often in a lottery you never entered. To "release" the winnings, the scammer asks for an upfront fee, a "tax" or "admin" payment, or your bank details, and pushes you to act quickly and keep it quiet.
The prize, of course, does not exist; the goal is your money or your details.
The warning signs
A few rules cut through almost all of these. You cannot win a lottery you did not enter. A genuine UK lottery never asks you to pay a fee to receive a prize. Be wary of poor spelling, odd sender addresses, unfamiliar overseas lottery names, and any pressure to act immediately or secretly.
How to protect yourself
Don't pay anything, don't share bank or personal details, and verify any "win" directly with the official operator using contact details you find yourself. The real National Lottery claim process simply involves checking your ticket within 180 days — never an advance fee. Suspicious messages can be reported to Action Fraud.
If you have been targeted or have paid
If a scammer contacts you, stop replying and don't click any links. If you have already paid or shared bank details, contact your bank straight away — it may be able to help — and report it to Action Fraud.
Be ready for follow-up attempts, as scammers often return to people who have responded once.
I got a message saying I won a lottery I never entered — is it real?
No. If you did not buy a ticket, you cannot have won, so treat it as a scam.
Should I pay a fee to claim a lottery prize?
Never. Genuine lotteries do not ask for an upfront fee, tax or admin charge to release winnings.
Where do I report a lottery scam?
Report it to Action Fraud, and do not reply, pay or share any details with the sender.
I have already paid a scammer — what should I do?
Contact your bank immediately and report the fraud to Action Fraud; act quickly, as fast action gives the best chance of help.
Related guides: Is the lottery rigged?, What to do if you win, Responsible gambling
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. If you are worried about your gambling, or affected by someone else's, free and confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, from BeGambleAware.org, and through the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. You must be 18 or over to gamble.