TL;DR: A lottery or sweepstakes scam tells the victim they've won a prize they never entered for, but must pay a fee or tax upfront to claim it. Legitimate lotteries never require you to pay money to claim a prize. If you didn't enter, you can't have won.
👉 Check my digital footprint — free 30-second check →
A lottery or sweepstakes scam tells the victim they've won a prize they never entered for, but must pay a fee or tax upfront to claim it.
How Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams Works
The victim receives a call, email, or letter claiming a major prize win, often for a lottery they never entered. To "release" the funds, they're told to pay a processing fee, tax, or customs charge — which just goes to the scammer, with no prize ever arriving.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Winning a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered, any request to pay money to receive a prize, and pressure to keep the win confidential until funds are "processed."
How to Protect Yourself
Legitimate lotteries never require you to pay money to claim a prize. If you didn't enter, you can't have won.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Man-in-the-Browser Attacks? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Man-in-the-Middle Attacks? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams?
A lottery or sweepstakes scam tells the victim they've won a prize they never entered for, but must pay a fee or tax upfront to claim it.
How does Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams typically work?
The victim receives a call, email, or letter claiming a major prize win, often for a lottery they never entered. To "release" the funds, they're told to pay a processing fee, tax, or customs charge — which just goes to the scammer, with no prize ever arriving.
What are the warning signs of Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams?
Winning a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered, any request to pay money to receive a prize, and pressure to keep the win confidential until funds are "processed."
How can I protect myself from Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams?
Legitimate lotteries never require you to pay money to claim a prize. If you didn't enter, you can't have won.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.