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Winning a prize in a lottery that you did not enter

We do not notify people of lottery or competition wins. If you receive this type of notification it is a scam and you should not respond to it.

Claims that you have won a prize in a lottery you did not enter is one of the ways fraudsters can steal your money or identity.

Genuine lotteries will not ask you for payment in order to give you your prize.

Make sure that you do not:

  • respond to any advance payment requests and do not pay a fee before prize money is given to you. If you have given money already contact your bank and the police
  • send money or personal details to anyone who says that you have won a prize in a lottery or sweepstake that you have not entered
  • provide personal information such as your passport number, home address, telephone number or banking details.

Report a scam

If you think a lottery is a scam, you need to report it to Action Fraud (opens in new tab). You can also read more about lottery scams on the Action Fraud website.

However, the majority of these types of fraud operate from outside the United Kingdom and therefore police powers are very limited.

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