Beware Of Lottery Scams
The only lottery that is legally authorized to operate in Iowa is the Iowa Lottery.
And unless you specifically entered an Iowa Lottery promotion or contest, you will never be contacted by
us informing you that you have won any prize.
If you receive suspicious materials, telephone calls or e-mails or if you
are ever in doubt about information that supposedly came from a legitimate lottery,
call the Iowa Lottery and ask for our Security Department. Listed below are
other tips to help you avoid lottery scams.
- If someone says that you've won a big prize, stop and ask yourself this question: Did I buy a ticket or enter that contest?
If you didn't it's likely a scam.
- Never pay processing fees, insurance or commissions to claim a lottery prize.
Legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay anything up front to receive a prize.
- Never believe a letter, phone call or Internet message from someone who claims they can guarantee you a prize.
Legitimate lotteries do not guarantee that you will win a prize and do not require you to join a prize pool to play.
- Never accept a collect telephone call from someone claiming to be a lottery official.
Legitimate lotteries do not call collect.
- Never purchase lottery tickets in Iowa by phone, mail or the Internet.
The sale and trafficking in foreign lottery tickets is a violation of federal criminal law.
- Never agree to help a stranger cash a lottery ticket.
If you do, more than likely you will become the victim of a scam. If you are approached by a stranger asking for help
cashing a ticket, contact Lottery Security and your local law enforcement immediately.
- Keep your credit card and bank account numbers to yourself.
Scam artists will often ask for them with the goal of accessing your accounts and stealing your money!
Don't be scammed! If you ever have a concern about Iowa Lottery products or operations,
please call us at 515-725-7900 or e-mail us at wmaster@ialottery.com.