how to pick winning lottery numbers:Lottery Scams

Legitimate lotteries never ask players for up front money to collect a prize. Keep these things in, and you will never be a victim of Lottery Fraud. Here are some?red flags to look our for?so that you can avoid being scammed.

• If someone says you have won a lottery that you have never played, that’s a red flag.
• ?If you have caller ID on your phone, check the caller's area code.? If it's from a foreign country, that's a red flag.? Also, be aware that some con artists use technology that allows them to disguise their area code.
• If an email detailing a lottery win or promotion contains misspellings or poor grammar, that’s a red flag.
• If you are told that you need to keep your "win" confidential, that’s a red flag.
• No real lottery tells winners to put up their own money to collect a prize they have already won.? If you must pay a fee to collect your winnings, that’s a red flag.
• Just because a real lottery is mentioned does not necessarily make it a real prize.?Treat it as a red flag until proven otherwise. Someone may be using the lottery's name without its permission or knowledge.
• If they offer to wire the "winnings" directly into your bank account, that’s a red flag. Do not give them your bank account information.
• If you are told that you can "verify" the prize by calling a certain number, that’s a red flag. The number may be part of the scam.?Look up the name of the lottery or organization on your own to find out its real contact information.
• If you think someone on the phone is trying to scam you, that’s a red flag. Trust your gut and hang up. If you engage in conversation, your name and contact information could end up on a list that's shared with other scammers.

Learn more about Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams.

?

If you have been the victim of a fake lottery scam, or if you have received a message that you think is suspicious,?contact the?Federal Trade www.nanoport.netmission, the DC Metropolitan Police Department's?Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit?or the DC Lottery’s Security team by phone at 202-645-9009 or email at?dclbsecurity2@dc.gov.Your report can make a difference!