Virginia Lottery Scam & Security Tips
This quick guide shares tips to help you spot scams, protect your ticket and online account, and feel confident about the steps we take to keep Lottery drawings secure. Remember: You should never have to pay to claim a prize that you’ve already won! Do not send money or share personal or banking information through email, text, social media, or unsolicited phone calls. Contact the appropriate company representative using the main phone number instead.
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Protect Your Play
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Guide to create an online account
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Don't Get Scammed
Secure Your Play
For hard-copy tickets that you buy at a store
When buying a lottery ticket from a retailer, remember these four quick tips to play secure!
Sign it. Hold it. Scan it. Know it.
- Sign it. Sign your ticket right away.
- Hold it. Keep your ticket secure. Don’t post a photo of it online before you claim.
- Scan it. Use official ticket-checking options (self-scan at a retailer or the Lottery’s tools) instead of handing your ticket to someone else.
- Know it. Check game rules and claim deadlines so your ticket doesn’t expire.
When you play the Lottery online
As with all accounts containing financial information, we recommend that you regularly monitor your account and immediately alert us to any unusual activity. You can protect yourself by
- creating a strong password,
- keeping your browser, apps, and software up to date, and
- enabling multi-factor authentication.
Remember to sign your hard copy tickets as soon as you buy them.
- Keep your win off social media
- Never hand your ticket to someone else unless you want to give it to that person.
- Use the Lottery’s scanning tools to see if a ticket is a winner.
- Know the rules about claiming a prize before it expires.
As with all accounts containing financial information, we recommend that you monitor your account regularly. Immediately address an alert on your account by contacting Virginia Lottery Support directly at (804) 692-7777 or LIVE CHAT.
For online Virginia Lottery purchases, click the “Login” link at the top right of the page by using the following link: www.virginialottery.com. You can set up an online account that allows you to securely purchase a wide variety of games and other products over the internet. Here is a guide to help you establish an online account with the Virginia Lottery. A guide for establishing a Virginia Lottery Online Account.
protect yourself and Protect Your Play at the Virginia Lottery.
Here are some additional links that offer information to help you protect yourself and Protect Your Play at the Virginia Lottery.
Protect yourself on online purchase: Shopping Safely Online | CISA
Creating a strong password: Use Strong Passwords | CISA
Keeping your browser, apps, and software up to date: Keep Your Device’s Operating System and Applications Up to Date | CISA
Enabling multi-factor authentication: More than a Password | CISA
How to update your iOS Device: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dk-DnXUeq4
How to upgrade your Android device: https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/articles/update-android-phone/
Guide to Creating a Virginia Lottery Online Account
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating a Virginia Lottery online account. An online account allows eligible users to securely access games, manage rewards, and participate in promotions through the official Virginia Lottery website or mobile application.
Step 1: Access the Official Website or Mobile App
Visit www.valottery.com using a web browser or download the Virginia Lottery Mobile App from your device’s app store.
Step 2: Select "Create Account" or "Register"
On the homepage, locate and select the option to create a new account or register.
Step 3: Enter Personal Information
Provide required details such as full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and phone number.
Step 4: Complete Identity Verification
Follow prompts to verify your identity. This may include answering verification questions or confirming personal details.
Step 5: Create Login Credentials
Select a username and password. Use a strong password containing letters, numbers, and special characters.
Step 6: Review and Accept Terms and Conditions
Review the Virginia Lottery Terms and Conditions and accept them to proceed.
Step 7: Verify Your Email Address
Check your email for a verification message and follow the instructions to confirm your account.
Step 8: Log In and Access Your Account
Return to the website or app and log in using your credentials to begin using your account features.
Security and Usage Notes
• Users must meet all eligibility and age requirements. • Do not share your login credentials with others. • Always access the Virginia Lottery via the official website or app.
Disclaimer
This document is for informational purposes only. Registration steps may vary based on system updates or device type. Users should follow the on-screen instructions provided by the official Virginia Lottery platform.
Don’t Get Scammed! Protect Yourself from Scams. Looking for Red Flags.
You should be suspicious of any email that requests personal or account information. Should you receive such a message, assume it is a scam. Do not respond to the sender, and do not, under any circumstances, provide the requested information. You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
Play Smart. Protecting Yourself from Scams.
Recognizing online fraud
Always be wary. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is! Criminals are becoming more and more sophisticated in their scamming tactics, but you can spot scams by looking for these key indicators:
False sense of urgency
An email that urgently requests you to provide, confirm, verify, or authenticate your personal information is likely fraudulent.
Requests for security information
Fraudulent emails often claim that the bank has lost important security information that needs to be updated.
Fake links and attachments
Often, phony emails will contain a link or an attachment that may look valid but is not. To check where a link would take you, move your mouse over the link and watch for the URL in the bottom bar of the browser. If the URL looks suspicious, do not click it. Do not open any attachment contained in a suspicious email (even an image or PDF).
Typos and other errors
Fraudulent emails or websites may contain typographical or grammatical errors. The writing may also be awkward, stilted or inappropriate. The visual or design quality may be poor.
Reporting online fraud
You should be suspicious of any email that requests personal or account information. Should you receive such a message, assume it is a scam. Do not respond to the sender, and do not, under any circumstances, provide the requested information. You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
Lottery scams
Lottery scams are everywhere, and scammers target individuals through multiple avenues. On social media, scammers create accounts and pretend they are the Lottery. These individuals steal the Lottery’s user profile image, create a screen name/username that appears legitimate, and then try to impersonate the Lottery. Sometimes, scam accounts impersonating past Mega Millions/Powerball winners will contact users saying they are giving away money out of the kindness of their hearts. Don’t fall for it! Please also remember not to post pictures of your winning ticket on social media before you’ve claimed your prize. React to these red flags, and you can avoid being scammed.
Reporting online fraud
Fraudulent emails and websites are designed to deceive you and can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Disguised as legitimate emails or sites and claiming to be from sources you trust, these messages and sites attempt to get you to provide personal and confidential information. You should be suspicious of any email that requests personal or account information. Should you receive such a message, assume it is a scam. Do not respond to the sender and do not, under any circumstances, provide the requested information. You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
React to Red Flags
- React to these red flags, and you can avoid being scammed.
- Someone says you won a prize in a lottery game you’ve never played.
- You receive a phone call that looks like it is coming from another country.
- You receive communication with misspellings or poor grammar.
- Someone says you need to keep your alleged win confidential.
- You are asked to pay a fee to collect alleged winnings.
- You get an offer to wire alleged winnings directly into your bank account.
- You are told that you can verify alleged winnings by calling a certain phone number.
If you think you are being scammed, do not engage with the scammer. Your name and contact information could end up on a list that's shared with other scammers.
If you have been the victim of a fake lottery scam, or if you have received a message that you think is suspicious, click here to report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report can make a difference!
Protect Your Play
Secure Your Play
For hard-copy tickets that you buy at a store
When buying a lottery ticket from a retailer, remember these four quick tips to play secure!
Sign it. Hold it. Scan it. Know it.
- Sign it. Sign your ticket right away.
- Hold it. Keep your ticket secure. Don’t post a photo of it online before you claim.
- Scan it. Use official ticket-checking options (self-scan at a retailer or the Lottery’s tools) instead of handing your ticket to someone else.
- Know it. Check game rules and claim deadlines so your ticket doesn’t expire.
When you play the Lottery online
As with all accounts containing financial information, we recommend that you regularly monitor your account and immediately alert us to any unusual activity. You can protect yourself by
- creating a strong password,
- keeping your browser, apps, and software up to date, and
- enabling multi-factor authentication.
Remember to sign your hard copy tickets as soon as you buy them.
- Keep your win off social media
- Never hand your ticket to someone else unless you want to give it to that person.
- Use the Lottery’s scanning tools to see if a ticket is a winner.
- Know the rules about claiming a prize before it expires.
As with all accounts containing financial information, we recommend that you monitor your account regularly. Immediately address an alert on your account by contacting Virginia Lottery Support directly at (804) 692-7777 or LIVE CHAT.
For online Virginia Lottery purchases, click the “Login” link at the top right of the page by using the following link: www.virginialottery.com. You can set up an online account that allows you to securely purchase a wide variety of games and other products over the internet. Here is a guide to help you establish an online account with the Virginia Lottery. A guide for establishing a Virginia Lottery Online Account.
protect yourself and Protect Your Play at the Virginia Lottery.
Here are some additional links that offer information to help you protect yourself and Protect Your Play at the Virginia Lottery.
Protect yourself on online purchase: Shopping Safely Online | CISA
Creating a strong password: Use Strong Passwords | CISA
Keeping your browser, apps, and software up to date: Keep Your Device’s Operating System and Applications Up to Date | CISA
Enabling multi-factor authentication: More than a Password | CISA
How to update your iOS Device: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dk-DnXUeq4
How to upgrade your Android device: https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/articles/update-android-phone/
Guide to create an online account
Guide to Creating a Virginia Lottery Online Account
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating a Virginia Lottery online account. An online account allows eligible users to securely access games, manage rewards, and participate in promotions through the official Virginia Lottery website or mobile application.
Step 1: Access the Official Website or Mobile App
Visit www.valottery.com using a web browser or download the Virginia Lottery Mobile App from your device’s app store.
Step 2: Select "Create Account" or "Register"
On the homepage, locate and select the option to create a new account or register.
Step 3: Enter Personal Information
Provide required details such as full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and phone number.
Step 4: Complete Identity Verification
Follow prompts to verify your identity. This may include answering verification questions or confirming personal details.
Step 5: Create Login Credentials
Select a username and password. Use a strong password containing letters, numbers, and special characters.
Step 6: Review and Accept Terms and Conditions
Review the Virginia Lottery Terms and Conditions and accept them to proceed.
Step 7: Verify Your Email Address
Check your email for a verification message and follow the instructions to confirm your account.
Step 8: Log In and Access Your Account
Return to the website or app and log in using your credentials to begin using your account features.
Security and Usage Notes
• Users must meet all eligibility and age requirements. • Do not share your login credentials with others. • Always access the Virginia Lottery via the official website or app.
Disclaimer
This document is for informational purposes only. Registration steps may vary based on system updates or device type. Users should follow the on-screen instructions provided by the official Virginia Lottery platform.
Don't Get Scammed
Don’t Get Scammed! Protect Yourself from Scams. Looking for Red Flags.
You should be suspicious of any email that requests personal or account information. Should you receive such a message, assume it is a scam. Do not respond to the sender, and do not, under any circumstances, provide the requested information. You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
Play Smart. Protecting Yourself from Scams.
Recognizing online fraud
Always be wary. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is! Criminals are becoming more and more sophisticated in their scamming tactics, but you can spot scams by looking for these key indicators:
False sense of urgency
An email that urgently requests you to provide, confirm, verify, or authenticate your personal information is likely fraudulent.
Requests for security information
Fraudulent emails often claim that the bank has lost important security information that needs to be updated.
Fake links and attachments
Often, phony emails will contain a link or an attachment that may look valid but is not. To check where a link would take you, move your mouse over the link and watch for the URL in the bottom bar of the browser. If the URL looks suspicious, do not click it. Do not open any attachment contained in a suspicious email (even an image or PDF).
Typos and other errors
Fraudulent emails or websites may contain typographical or grammatical errors. The writing may also be awkward, stilted or inappropriate. The visual or design quality may be poor.
Reporting online fraud
You should be suspicious of any email that requests personal or account information. Should you receive such a message, assume it is a scam. Do not respond to the sender, and do not, under any circumstances, provide the requested information. You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
Lottery scams
Lottery scams are everywhere, and scammers target individuals through multiple avenues. On social media, scammers create accounts and pretend they are the Lottery. These individuals steal the Lottery’s user profile image, create a screen name/username that appears legitimate, and then try to impersonate the Lottery. Sometimes, scam accounts impersonating past Mega Millions/Powerball winners will contact users saying they are giving away money out of the kindness of their hearts. Don’t fall for it! Please also remember not to post pictures of your winning ticket on social media before you’ve claimed your prize. React to these red flags, and you can avoid being scammed.
Reporting online fraud
Fraudulent emails and websites are designed to deceive you and can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Disguised as legitimate emails or sites and claiming to be from sources you trust, these messages and sites attempt to get you to provide personal and confidential information. You should be suspicious of any email that requests personal or account information. Should you receive such a message, assume it is a scam. Do not respond to the sender and do not, under any circumstances, provide the requested information. You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
You may report any suspected illegal online activity to the Virginia Attorney General's office at cybercrimeunit@oag.state.va.us
React to Red Flags
- React to these red flags, and you can avoid being scammed.
- Someone says you won a prize in a lottery game you’ve never played.
- You receive a phone call that looks like it is coming from another country.
- You receive communication with misspellings or poor grammar.
- Someone says you need to keep your alleged win confidential.
- You are asked to pay a fee to collect alleged winnings.
- You get an offer to wire alleged winnings directly into your bank account.
- You are told that you can verify alleged winnings by calling a certain phone number.
If you think you are being scammed, do not engage with the scammer. Your name and contact information could end up on a list that's shared with other scammers.
If you have been the victim of a fake lottery scam, or if you have received a message that you think is suspicious, click here to report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report can make a difference!