Identifying Lottery Scams

If you've received an email, a letter or phone call saying you’ve won a prize without buying a ticket, or asking for money to receive a prize, it’s a scam. Don’t fall victim to this kind of fraud attempt.

If you’ve already given money to someone like this, contact the authorities in your region immediately.

There are several scams going on every day that attempt to use the names and trademarks of legitimate organizations – including WCLC – to deceive unsuspecting victims. These emails, letters or phone calls will often indicate that you can claim a prize if you send money to cover "taxes" or "service charges".

If you’re ever told you need to pay to get your prize, it’s a scam. You’ll never be asked to pay money to claim a legitimate lottery prize.

If you purchase tickets via PlayNow (in Manitoba), PlayAlberta (in Alberta) or by subscription through our mail or online services, you could receive an email or telephone call telling you that you’ve won a prize. If you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, contact the organization to ask about it. Use the organization’s official website to find their contact information online.

Here are some tips to help you identify Lottery Scams.  It's a scam if...

• You didn't purchase a ticket or enter a contest in the Prairie Provinces and Territories.

  • If you didn't purchase a ticket or enter a contest within our region, you are not entitled to a prize.
  • You can only win a prize on our games if you've purchased a ticket at a lottery retailer, by Subscription, or in Manitoba at PlayNow.com. WCLC does not sell our products or solicit sales outside of our jurisdiction of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon, nor do we authorize anyone to do so on our behalf.

• You are informed that you've won a lottery prize from another country or province, even though you haven’t purchased a ticket.

  • We don't award prizes by drawing names or email addresses from a list. No legitimate lottery operates in this way.

• You are asked to pay taxes or fees to claim a prize.

  • Do not, under any circumstances, send money or personal or financial information to someone making such a request of you.
  • 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.

• You are provided with a cheque from a third-party organization to assist with paying taxes or fees.

  • No payment or fees are required to claim lottery prizes in Canada.
  • Do not cash such cheques as they are likely forgeries and will bounce. If you choose to attempt to cash the cheque, exercise extreme caution and confirm with your bank that there will be no financial or legal repercussions or costs if it doesn't clear.

• • If you had won a real lottery prize, sharing the news about your win with family, friends and others would not disqualify you from being entitled to a prize.

Q: What should I do if I am contacted by someone who indicates I've won a lottery prize from WCLC even though I haven't purchased a ticket?

A: Simply disregard the request - throw the letter away, delete the email or hang up the telephone.

Q: What if I've already sent money to a fraudulent lottery organization?

A: If you have sent money or would like to speak to someone regarding a solicitation, we advise you to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They can be reached at 1-888-495-8501 (within Canada and the United States) or (705) 495-8501 (overseas). Their phone lines can be busy; however, you can leave a message, and they will return your call. You may also wish to contact your local authorities.