Beware of Scams
To report a scam, call CT Lottery Security at 860-713-2700 or click here to send Lottery Security an email.
The CT Lottery is committed to the responsible sale and play of its games. Unfortunately, there are dishonest individuals and groups who make their living by operating scams designed to trick people into thinking they’ve won a lottery prize. Their goal is to convince victims to provide personal information or pay fake "processing fees" and "taxes" through a wire transfer or money order. These are scams.
Unless you specifically entered a CT Lottery 2nd Chance drawing, promotion or giveaway, you will never be contacted by the CT Lottery informing you that you have won a prize. If you did not purchase a CT Lottery ticket or enter a CT Lottery 2nd Chance drawing, promotion or giveaway, you cannot win a prize.
- Telephone scam. In a telephone scam, a dishonest person will try to trick you into believing that you won a lottery prize to get you to wire money or give up your personal information. In most cases, this individual is from another country and using a disposable cell phone to avoid being caught. Protect yourself and hang up if you suspect a scam.
- Email scam. Legitimate lotteries never request personal or financial information via email, nor will they ask for money. Do not reply to such emails, open attachments, or click on any links—delete them.
- Social media scam. The CT Lottery maintains a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Our followers should be wary of any message they receive from any social media site that may be impersonating the CT Lottery. In particular, beware of scammers posing as a “Lottery agent” or “employee” who communicate to you falsely that you've won a prize or ask for personal or financial information. Social media users should also be wary of scammers posing as past CT Lottery winners offering to send the user money or other prizes in exchange for personal information or payment.
- Website scam. Some criminals will establish a bogus website to give their scam a more legitimate look. Do not be fooled into sharing your personal or financial information, lest you become a victim of identity theft.
- Letter scam. If you receive an “official” looking letter by mail that indicates you are a lottery winner, and it is soliciting you for information or money—it’s a scam.
- Pigeon drop scam. Never agree to help a stranger cash a Lottery ticket. If you do, more than likely you will become the victim of a "Pigeon Drop" scam. If you are approached by a stranger asking for help to cash a ticket, contact the CT Lottery Security Department and your local law enforcement immediately.
