California Lottery Warns Players About Rising Scam Attempts

California Lottery officials are warning players to stay alert as scam attempts are on the rise. These scams are designed to steal money and personal information by pretending to be “official” Lottery messages.

One of the most common tricks starts with a surprise email, text, call, or message claiming you’ve won a prize. The scammer may sound professional and urgent, saying you must pay “taxes” or “processing fees” before getting your winnings. ? That’s a major red flag.

? Important: This is always a scam.
The California Lottery does not contact winners out of the blue and never asks for money in advance.

What Players Should Remember

?? No upfront fees—ever. Real prizes don’t require early payments.
?? No surprise calls. Officials won’t contact you before you file a claim.
?? You must play to win. No ticket = no prize.
?? Protect your info. Never share bank, card, or Social Security details.
?? Buy tickets only in stores. Legal tickets are sold only at authorized retailers.
?? Citizenship doesn’t matter. Anyone who buys in person can claim a prize.

The Bottom Line

Real lottery winnings only happen after you buy a ticket and submit an official claim form. If someone pressures you to pay first or rush your decision, walk away.