Lottery Scams - If You Didn’t Enter, You Didn’t Win

By Lethbridge Police Service - Mar 18, 2026

Online lottery scams are our focus for the third week of Fraud Prevention Month.

While lottery scams have historically arrived through traditional methods like mail and phone, they are increasingly being directed through online mechanisms like email, text messages, and social media.

Lottery scams trick victims into believing they have won a prize or lottery they never entered. To claim the winnings, victims are asked to pay fees, taxes, or charges upfront—but no prize ever exists. Often the messages look official and include logos, documentation, or fake certificates.

Recognize

Red flags that may indicate a lottery scam:

  • You are notified that you’ve won a lottery or prize you did not enter
  • A fee or tax is required to “claim” the prize
    • Lottery prizes in Canada are not taxable, and no taxes or fees of any kind have to be paid to Canadian authorities on legitimate lottery winnings in Canada.
  • Payment is requested through a hard-to-trace methods like wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
  • You are asked to provide personal and/or banking information
  • Messages create urgency and excitement to get you to act quickly

Reject

  • Remember, you cannot win a lottery you didn’t enter - be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming you’ve won money or prizes
  • Slow down and verify information by using official websites and phone numbers (DO NOT use the contact information provided by the potential scammer)
  • Never pay upfront fees to receive a prize or winnings
  • Do not click links or download attachments from unknown sources
  • Never share personal or financial information with unknown individuals

Report

  • If you have NOT suffered a loss, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  • If you have suffered a loss, report to the Lethbridge Police Service and your financial institution

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Lethbridge Police Service
135 1 Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0A1

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(Not monitored 24/7. Call 403-328-4444 to report a crime or suspicious activity.)

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