#megamillions Advisory: More scams fraudulently use the Mega Millions name

October 5th, 2017

RELEASE DATE: 10/6/2017

Scammers around the world have recently intensified efforts that fraudulently use the Mega Millions name and logo in attempts to convince consumers they have won a big prize. These scams are targeting people by email or through their mobile devices, with official-sounding names like the "Annual Mega Millions Mobile Lottery," "Mega Million Award Department USA" and "Mega Millions International Inc. Achievement Certificate."

These scams tell users that their email address or mobile number was specially chosen to participate in, or has even won, a big-money drawing, often for $450,000 or $1 million.

Once again, we warn consumers that these scams are not connected in any way to the real Mega Millions game despite their use of our name and logo. Lottery officials strongly warn people not to respond, as the perpetrators will try to trick you into sending them money or personal information in order to "claim" your "prize."

The ONLY way to play Mega Millions and possibly win a prize is to buy a Mega Millions ticket from an American lottery and one of its licensed retailers. Mega Millions is played in 46 jurisdictions: 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. If you do not buy a ticket, you cannot win.

We have more information about lottery scams in general on our website here.

Also, the Federal Trade Commission has more information on fake lottery and other scams at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0086-international-lottery-scams. To file a complaint or get free information call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local police or sheriff's office or state police.

Mega Millions media contacts

This press release is mirrored from http://www.megamillions.com/. We do not own a copyright on it and we are not the original press contact.