Lottery Scams in South Africa: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Lottery scams are one of the most common forms of fraud in South Africa. Scammers impersonate the National Lottery, Ithuba, or Sizekhaya to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information.

Common scam types

• WhatsApp messages claiming you've won a prize you never entered
• SMS or email asking for 'processing fees' to release your winnings
• Fake lottery websites that look like the official National Lottery
• Phone calls from 'lottery officials' asking for your bank details
• Social media posts claiming guaranteed winning numbers

Red flags to watch for

• You're asked to pay money to receive a prize — legitimate lotteries never do this
• The message comes from a personal phone number or unknown email
• You're asked for your bank details, ID number, or PIN
• The 'prize' is for a lottery you never played
• Urgency language like 'claim within 24 hours or lose your prize'
• Grammar and spelling errors in official-looking communications

What to do if you receive a scam message

• Do not click any links or download attachments
• Do not reply or provide any personal information
• Report to the National Lottery: 0800 484 822
• Report to the FSB: 0800 110 443
• Block the sender and delete the message
• Warn friends and family — share this article

How the real lottery contacts winners

The real National Lottery will never ask you to pay money to receive a prize. Small prizes are paid at retailers. Large prizes are claimed at Ithuba offices with your original ticket and SA ID. If someone contacts you claiming you've won and asking for money, it's a scam — period.