Scam category
Lottery and prize scams
Lottery and prize scams inform victims they have won a large sum of money, then demand fees for taxes, processing, or insurance before the prize can be released. The fundamental rule is simple: you cannot win a contest you never entered. Yet these scams persist because the emotional pull of a large payout overrides logical evaluation.
Category activity
“lottery scam”
↑ 72%Watch for
- You are notified that you won a lottery or prize you never entered.
- You must pay a fee for taxes, shipping, processing, or insurance before receiving your winnings.
- The notification arrives via email, text, or social media from an unverifiable source rather than by registered mail.
Common searches
OpenScam News Feed
email lottery winner notification scam
Victims receive an official-looking email claiming they won a lottery they never entered, then are asked to pay taxes or processing fees to claim the prize.
Legitimate lotteries never require upfront payment to claim winnings
Older adults
Global
SMS prize alert text message scam
Scam text messages claim you have won a prize or gift card and include a link to a phishing website designed to steal personal information.
Never click links in unsolicited text messages claiming you have won a prize
Smartphone users
U.S.
Publishers Clearing House impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate Publishers Clearing House, telling victims they have won a major prize but must pay fees or buy gift cards to receive it.
Publishers Clearing House never requires payment to claim a prize and their prize patrol visits without prior notice
Older adults
U.S.
foreign lottery advance fee scam
Victims are told they won a foreign lottery, often claiming to be from Spain, the Netherlands, or the UK, and must pay customs, taxes, or legal fees to collect.
It is illegal for US residents to participate in foreign lotteries, so any notification is fraudulent by definition
Older adults
Global
social media fake giveaway scam
Fake social media accounts impersonate brands or influencers and run fraudulent giveaways that require victims to share personal data, pay shipping fees, or click phishing links.
Verify giveaways through the brand's official verified account, not through direct messages from unknown accounts
Social media users
Global
sweepstakes processing fee scam
Victims receive official-looking letters or emails claiming they won a sweepstakes but must pay a processing fee to receive their prize check.
Never pay any fee to claim a sweepstakes prize as legitimate sweepstakes cover all costs
Older adults
U.S.
scratch card guaranteed winner scam
Scammers distribute fake scratch cards through mail or in person that always show a winning prize, then direct victims to call a number and pay fees to collect.
Be suspicious of any scratch card received unsolicited that shows you as a winner
Older adults
U.S.
free vacation prize scam
Victims are told they won a free vacation but must attend a high-pressure timeshare presentation or pay resort fees, taxes, and hidden charges that negate any value.
Research the company thoroughly through the BBB and consumer review sites before agreeing to anything
Older adults
U.S.
car winner notification scam
Victims receive a call, email, or letter claiming they won a new car but must pay taxes, registration fees, or delivery charges before receiving it.
Legitimate car giveaways handle tax obligations as part of the prize and never require upfront payment
Older adults
U.S.
inheritance from unknown relative scam
Scammers pose as attorneys or bank officials claiming the victim has inherited money from a distant or unknown relative, requiring fees to release the funds.
Verify any inheritance claim through an independent attorney, not through contacts provided in the email
Older adults
Global
Related categories