Send the scammers packing
Scams are out there. Better believe we’ve got no problem calling ‘em out. Here’s how to protect yourself and steer clear.
Some good rules of thumb to thumb through
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks to steal from people. To help you stay one step ahead, we’ve put together some easy tips and resources so you can spot scams and keep your play safe.
An oldie but goodie to keep in mind: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
• Purchase physical lottery tickets only from authorized NC Education Lottery retailers and vending machines. You can find an authorized lottery retailer near you here.
• Never redeem a lottery ticket for someone you do not know.
• Never share your credit card, Social Security number, driver’s license, passport, or bank account information over phone, email, or through the mail to anyone promising cash prizes.
• Don’t fall for it! If you get a letter, email, or call asking you to send money, or cash a check and send money back, it’s a scam. The check isn’t real and will bounce.
• Only participate in a “lottery pool” with the people you know personally and trust.
Keep yourself and your winnings safe
Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when you claim your prize:
• Sign your ticket: Make sure to sign the back of your ticket—that’s how you prove it’s yours!
• Use a Ticket Checker: Double-check that your winnings are correct by using the ticket checker before you leave your retail location.
• Got a multi-draw ticket? Get an exchange ticket: Retailers keep the original winning tickets, so if you’ve won on a multi-draw, be sure to ask for an exchange ticket for the rest of your draws.
• Ask for a validation receipt: When you win, always grab a validation receipt—it’s a good way to keep everything clear and secure.
If you ever have any doubts about a lottery message, just give our Security Hotline a call at 888-732-6235—we’re here 24/7!
Yep, scams can show up on social media too
We love to kick it with everybody on social media with promo opportunities for scratch-off and experiential prizes. That said, you gotta pay attention and make sure any messages you receive from the NC Education Lottery are from our verified accounts. We’ll only ever reach out via official NC Education Lottery social accounts or an @lotterync.net email address. If the message is from someone else, it isn’t us.
Unfortunately, fake accounts pop up. They do things like use our logo and message players about winning a promotion. Here are some tell-tale signs of a fake account:
• Asking you to visit external websites or provide payment info to claim a prize. Remember! The lottery will never ask for credit card information or ask you to visit an external website to claim a prize from a social media promotion.
• Requesting any kind of payment, bank info, SSNs, or passwords to claim a prize. All we ever need are your name, mailing and/or email address, phone number, and your birthday.
You can find the links to all our official social media accounts by clicking on the icons at the bottom of this page, on the Play Plus Ups page, or on the NC Education Lottery website.
If a message in your inbox feels scammy, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the official NC Education Lottery social media accounts or confirm that gut instinct of yours by phoning a friend at our Player Hotline: 877-962-7529. You can also find resources at nclottery.com/Help.
Spot something suspicious? Let us know!
Our security team is made up of top-notch investigators from six regions across the state, so we can give each case the attention it deserves. Plus, our trained security pros are always keeping an eye on our Security Hotline, ready to help whenever needed!
Got a concern at a lottery retailer? We’re here for you 24/7! Just give our Security Hotline a call at 888-732-6235, and we’ll take it from there.
Hooray for Hobbies.
It’s good having something fun to look forward to besides the lottery. Hobbies give a real sense of accomplishment while lowering your stress. Like enjoying soccer, yoga, and gardening. Hellllooooo pickleball!