Scam Alert: Fake “Mega Millions Special Drawing” Impersonation
By Greg Collier
Mega Millions officials are warning players about a new lottery scam in which criminals are impersonating the brand online and promoting a fake “special drawing.” Using the game’s familiar logo, colors, and language, these scams are designed to look legitimate while steering victims toward fraudulent websites, phone numbers, or direct messages.
The warning underscores a broader pattern of lottery-related fraud in which well-known brands are used to create a false sense of authenticity and urgency.
What’s Happening
According to Mega Millions, scammers are circulating online content that claims to offer:
- Entry into a special or exclusive Mega Millions drawing
- Notification of a prize win despite the recipient never purchasing a ticket
- Instructions to “verify” or “claim” winnings through links or phone calls
The lead director of Mega Millions said these schemes rely on visual familiarity and persuasive language to appear credible. Despite their variations, they all share a common goal: obtaining money or personal information from unsuspecting consumers.
How the Scam Typically Works
These impersonation scams often follow a predictable structure:
- Use of official branding: Logos and graphics resembling Mega Millions materials are copied to appear authentic.
- Unsolicited prize claims or promotions: Targets are told they have won or been selected for a special drawing they did not enter.
- Requests for action: Victims are directed to click links, respond to messages, or call phone numbers to confirm details.
- Financial or data demands: The scam escalates with requests for fees, taxes, or sensitive personal and banking information.
Once money or personal data is provided, it is typically unrecoverable.
Red Flags
Mega Millions advises consumers to be alert for the following red flags:
- Claims that you won a lottery you never played
- Social media posts advertising “special drawings” or surprise promotions
- Requests to click unfamiliar links or call unknown numbers
- Instructions to send money in order to collect winnings
- Messages with poor grammar or spelling
- Phone calls or texts from unfamiliar or unexpected area codes
Quick Tip: Legitimate lotteries never require winners to pay to receive a prize.
How to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of falling victim to lottery scams, Mega Millions recommends:
- Verifying promotions only through official lottery websites
- Avoiding links, phone numbers, or messages from unsolicited contacts
- Never sharing sensitive personal or financial information
- Hanging up on and blocking suspected scammers
Consumers who believe they have encountered a scam may contact the Federal Trade Commission at (877) 382-4357 or report the incident to local law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
If you did not purchase a ticket or enter a drawing, there is no legitimate prize to claim. Authentic lotteries do not operate through unsolicited messages, social media direct outreach, or upfront payment requests.
Scams that misuse trusted brands rely on familiarity to lower skepticism. Staying cautious, verifying information through official sources, and refusing unsolicited requests are the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from lottery fraud.
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