What is a lottery scam?

A lottery scam tells you that you have won a prize, then requests information or money to release it. Report Fraud describes fake overseas lottery messages and criminals misusing genuine lottery names. 1

Repeated fee requests may follow. The promised prize is not waiting for you. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. A message announces a supposed lottery or prize-draw win. 1
  2. You are asked for identity documents or banking details. 1
  3. The sender demands fees before releasing the nonexistent prize. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes messages misusing overseas lottery names. Recipients are told to keep the win secret and pay further fees when earlier payments produce nothing. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • A prize message demands secrecy. 1
  • You must pay fees before receiving the supposed winnings. 1
  • The sender asks for identity documents through an unexpected message. 1

What to do now

  1. Stop replying or paying to claim the supposed prize. 1
  2. Tell your bank if you sent money or exposed banking details. 12

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Check a prize claim through contact details found independently. 13
  • Do not send documents to an unexpected prize contact. 1

Frequently asked questions

Can a scam use a genuine lottery’s name?

Yes. Report Fraud says criminals misuse real lottery names. 1

Why does the sender keep asking for fees?

Report Fraud describes repeated excuses for extra payments before nonexistent winnings can be released. 1

Can sharing documents cause further harm?

Yes. Report Fraud warns that supplied identity documents can be used for identity theft. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Lottery scams. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).