Scam Alerts

AVOID A SCAM

• Beware of notices informing you of winning contest or giveaway you did not enter.
• Never pay upfront fees of any kind to claim a legitimate state lottery prize.
• Reject telephone, mail, email, or internet offers to buy a ticket for a chance into another state's or country's lottery. It is against the law to purchase foreign lottery tickets or lottery tickets sold outside the state of origin. Scam artists use the names of both legitimate and fraudulent lotteries to steal from unsuspecting individuals.
• Always verify phone numbers and mailing addresses by searching official sources.
• Never provide personal information such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers over the phone or online.
• Beware of "urgent" messages that require an immediate response. It's common tactic used in scams that gives you little time to check out the offer.
• Legal lotteries do not guarantee that you will win a prize and do not require people to join prize pools to play.

Social media and websites

The Wisconsin Lottery has one official website, www.wilottery.com, and has pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If in doubt, double check all IP addresses and never provide any personal, banking or other information. Do not click, share, respond, or re-post anything saying you have won. Delete the post without engaging. Also, remember the Wisconsin Lottery does not notify winners through internet pop-ups. Do not interact with those types of ads.

If you think you are the victim of a scam or fraud

Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection – The Bureau of Consumer Protection is available to help if you believe you are a victim of fraud. Please visit their website for a fact sheet on Lottery, Contest and Sweepstakes Scams. Consumers can call the toll-free hotline at (800) 422-7128 or email at DATCPHotline@Wisconsin.gov.