Scandal engulfs lottery as officials reveal cash-grabbing scam sucking in Californians

California lottery officials are warning players to stay alert for scams after a rise in reports from both victims and law enforcement agencies.

Authorities say fraudsters are increasingly posing as lottery officials — or claiming to be connected to prize winners — in an attempt to steal money or personal information, My Mother Lode reported.

Officials stressed that legitimate lottery wins do not begin with a random phone call or text message. They cautioned the public to be wary of suspicious calls, emails, texts, or messages asking for money.

Many scams start with an unexpected message that appears official, congratulating someone for supposedly winning a lottery prize. The message often claims the prize cannot be released until the recipient pays taxes, processing fees, or other costs — and typically pressures the person to act quickly.

But officials say that’s a major red flag.

According to the California Lottery, winners are never contacted out of the blue. The agency does not send unsolicited emails, texts, direct messages, or phone calls telling someone they’ve won. Real winners are also never asked to pay fees or taxes upfront before collecting a prize.

“Legitimate prizes can only be claimed after a player purchases a ticket and submits an official claim form through the California Lottery’s established process,” according to lottery officials.

The California Lottery Security and Law Enforcement Division works alongside local and state authorities to investigate complaints of fraud and protect the integrity of the state’s lottery system.

Officials say scammers may impersonate lottery employees or winners, promise fake prizes, or demand advance payments from victims hoping to claim supposed winnings.