LOTTERY SCAMS

Scams exist in many forms, but one of the most common is to tell you you've already won or have a good chance to win a prize. They ask you to pay money or provide personal information, like a credit card number or bank account number, to claim your winnings. Some scams even illegally use real game names and logos of legitimate lotteries.

Scammers may also approach you in person, claiming to have a winning ticket, but tell you they can't claim the prize themselves. These criminals will ask you to purchase their ticket or provide a "deposit" to claim the prize for them. But, they'll disappear with your money.

Always remember that legitimate lotteries require you to purchase a ticket for a chance to win a prize.

LOTTERY TIPS

1. Don't Pre-pay
"The South Daktoa Lottery will never require a winner to pay money upfront to claim a prize."

Tip 2. No Automatic Entry
"The South Daktoa Lottery will never Enter someone into a drawing, promotion or anything else without their knowledge."

Tip 3. Don't Rush
"The South Daktoa Lottery will never require a short response time to cash or claim a winning ticket. Winning lotto tickets can be claimed up to 180 days following the drawing. Winning scratch tickets can be claimed up to 180 days following the game's end."

Tip 4. Don't Give Personal Information
"The South Daktoa Lottery will never require personal information such as social security numbers or bank account numbers from winners over the phone, by email or online. A prize of $101 or more must be claimed at a South Dakota Lottery office using an official claim form."

Tip 5. No Required Citizenship
"The South Daktoa Lottery will never require you to be a United States citizen to claim a South Dakota Lottery prize."

LET US KNOW

Contact us for clarification if you have any questions about how to play or how to claim a prize.

Report suspected scams to the S.D. Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1-800-300-1986, or through their contact form.