How to Spot and Avoid Lottery Scams
Your security is our top priority. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a scam so you can play with confidence and peace of mind.
Unfortunately, where there are large sums of money, there are also scammers trying to take advantage of hopeful players. These scams often come in the form of unexpected emails, text messages, or phone calls. The good news is that they are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you encounter any of the following, you are almost certainly dealing with a scam. Proceed with extreme caution.
You're asked to pay a fee.
Legitimate lotteries never ask you to pay a fee, tax, or customs charge to claim your prize. You cannot "unlock" a win by sending money.
There's a sense of urgency.
Scammers often pressure you to act quickly, claiming the prize will expire. This is a tactic to prevent you from thinking clearly or consulting others.
They ask for personal details.
Never give out your bank account details, passwords, or other sensitive information in response to an unsolicited "win" notification.
You "won" a lottery you never entered.
This is the most obvious sign. You cannot win a prize in a lottery for which you did not purchase a ticket.
What to Do If You're Unsure
If you receive a suspicious message, follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Stop and Think. Do not rush. Take a moment to review the message for the red flags listed above.
- Do Not Click or Reply. Do not click any links or reply to the message. Clicking links can install malware on your device.
- Verify Independently. If you want to check if you've won, visit our official website directly and use our Ticket Checker. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
- Report and Delete. Report the scam to the ACCC's Scamwatch service, then delete the message.
The Golden Rule of Lottery Security
If something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Real lottery wins don't come looking for you via a random text message.