How do I get my money back after paying fees in a lottery or prize scam?
Lottery and prize fees are almost never recoverable — the scam's design is to collect fees endlessly. Report to the FTC and stop paying immediately to cut your losses.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Lottery and prize scams convince victims they have won a large sum and must pay taxes, customs fees, or processing charges before the prize can be released. Each payment is followed by a new 'unexpected' fee, trapping victims in a cycle that can cost tens of thousands of dollars over months or years before they recognize the pattern.
The fees paid in these scams are typically sent by wire transfer, MoneyGram, Western Union, gift card, or cryptocurrency — all near-unrecoverable methods. The scammers specifically request these because they are instant and irreversible. If any payment was made by credit or debit card, file a dispute immediately, as that is the one exception where recovery is possible.
The most important action is to stop paying. Each additional payment goes straight to the scammer and is lost. There is no prize. Legitimate lotteries — including all major national and state lotteries — never require advance payment of fees before a prize is released. Taxes on winnings are settled through tax filing, not through wire transfers to third parties.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if any mailings were involved, and the FBI's IC3. If you received calls from a foreign number, also report to the FCC. Document every payment made — amounts, dates, and methods — as this record will be needed for any law enforcement investigation.
Common red flags
- Notified that you won a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered
- Required to pay taxes, customs fees, or processing charges before receiving winnings
- Prize value always just slightly more than what you have paid so far in fees
- Contact is via email, WhatsApp, or a foreign phone number
- Official-looking paperwork or certificates sent to make the prize feel legitimate
- Told to keep the winnings secret until the release is finalized
What to do now
- Stop making any further payments immediately
- File a dispute with your card issuer if any payment was made by card
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if any mailings were involved
- File with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
- Tell trusted family or friends — this can help you avoid further payments
Frequently asked questions
I never entered a lottery — can I still win one?
No. You cannot win a lottery you never entered. All notifications of lottery prizes for contests you never entered are scams, without exception.
The scammer sent me official-looking documents — does that mean it is real?
No. Scammers can create convincing fake documents including certificates, government seals, and official letterhead. The authenticity of documents must be verified through official channels — not by trusting what was sent to you.