Lottery Scam
Lottery scams involve individuals receiving notifications that they have won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize — often without ever entering any competition.
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Lottery scams trick victims into believing they have won a significant prize. The catch is always the same: before winnings can be released, victims must pay taxes, fees, or administrative charges. No prize ever arrives — only repeated demands for payment, each with a new excuse, until the victim stops paying or runs out of money.
How Lottery Scams Are Carried Out
1. Unsolicited Winning Notifications
Victims receive unexpected messages, emails, or calls claiming they have won a lottery or prize without participating. The prize amount is always large enough to be tempting.
2. Requests for Payment or Information
To claim the prize, victims must pay supposed taxes, processing fees, or legal charges. Once paid, new fees are invented or communication ceases entirely.
3. Fake Cheque Scams
Victims may receive a fake cheque as supposed advance winnings. Scammers ask them to deposit it and send a portion back. The cheque later bounces, leaving the victim liable.
4. Pressure to Act Quickly
Scammers create artificial urgency, claiming the prize must be claimed within hours to prevent victims from verifying the claim or consulting trusted advisors.
What to Look Out For
How to Protect Yourself from Lottery Scams
Never Pay to Claim a Prize
Legitimate prize organisers never ask winners to pay fees, taxes, or charges upfront. Any request for payment before receiving a prize is a certain sign of a scam.
Verify Through Official Channels
Contact any lottery organisation directly using their verified official website details. Never use contact information provided in the winning notification itself.
Report Lottery Scams
Report lottery scam attempts to the Singapore Police Force at 1800-255-0000 or through the ScamShield app to help protect others in the community.
Report a Lottery Scam
If you have received a fake lottery notification or have already paid fees to claim a prize, report it to the police immediately.
Lottery Scam: Your Questions Answered
Lottery Scams in Singapore: Your Questions Answered
You receive a message claiming you won a prize you never entered, often asking for "processing fees" or personal info.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Lottery scams promise riches but deliver only losses. If you did not enter, you did not win.