How It Works

You may be contacted by phone, email, text message, social media, or mail and told you’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes, or promotion. To claim your prize, you’re instructed to:

• Pay taxes, processing fees, or delivery charges
• Share banking information or verification codes
• Send money using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
• Act quickly and keep the win confidential

Scammers often impersonate well‑known lotteries, retailers, or government agencies to appear legitimate.

Common Warning Signs

• You’re told you won a lottery you never entered
• The message demands payment before you receive winnings
• There is pressure to act immediately or keep it a secret
• You’re asked to pay using untraceable methods (gift cards, crypto, wires)
• The sender refuses to provide official documentation or verifiable contact information
• Emails or messages contain poor grammar, misspellings, or suspicious links

Remember: Legitimate lotteries do not charge winners upfront fees.

How To Protect Yourself

• Don’t respond to unsolicited prize notifications
• Never send money to claim winnings
• Do not share personal or banking information
• Verify claims independently using official lottery websites or contact numbers
• Talk it out with a trusted family member or advisor before taking action

What To Do If You Are Contacted

• Do not click links or reply
• Delete the message or hang up
• Report the attempt if requested by local or federal authorities

Act Quickly If You Have Already Sent Money

• Contact TSB immediately: 888‑303‑4TSB (4872)
• Stop payments if possible
• Change passwords and monitor your accounts
• Save all messages, emails, and receipts related to the scam

Quick Reminder

If you didn’t buy a ticket, you didn’t win.

When in doubt—pause, verify, and contact TSB first.