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International Lottery Scams

Did you just win a foreign lottery or sweepstakes? Scammers will often notify unsuspecting Americans through the mail or email that they’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes, automobile, or vacation. These notifications often come with requests for money to pay taxes and fees before you can claim your prize. This can continue for weeks, months, or even years. In the end, there is no prize and thousands of dollars could be lost.

Lottery Losses

Lottery scams often target the vulnerable. Watch to see how this woman and her family were impacted.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service Foreign Lottery Scams PSA

Tempted to play a foreign lottery? You might just lose it all. For more info on this & other scams, visit HERE

Protect Yourself From Lottery Fraud

  • Avoid foreign lotteries

    If a lottery is based in a foreign country and conducted through the mail, it’s illegal.

  • Never send money to claim prize.

    Never wire or send money to someone who says you’ve won a prize.

  • Be aware if they ask for money in order for you to claim prize.

    No legitimate lottery would ask for money to claim your prize.

Have You Witnessed This Scam?

If you’ve been affected by a lottery scam and the U.S. Mail® has been used in any way, we want to help. Please report the crime.

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