Montana Lottery Warns of Mega Millions Scam Targeting Residents

Scammers are doing whatever they can to get their hands on your hard-earned money. Even though my phone number is on the National Do Not Call Registry, I still get potential scam phone calls almost daily. 

My bank is continuously sending reminders to its clients to be vigilant about banking scams. Not only do I get scam emails regularly, but scam texts are showing up more frequently on my phone these days.

READ MORE: If You Get a Call From ‘the FBI’ in Montana, It’s a Scam

The Montana Lottery is now warning people about lottery scams. The lottery has received reports of Montanans who have been contacted by people claiming they are from the lottery office and that they have won a large Mega Millions prize. These are scams. 

How the Montana Lottery Actually Contacts Winners

Here are some tips from the Montana Lottery to avoid scams: 

• The lottery doesn’t know who the winners are until they physically come into the lottery office in Helena to claim their prizes.  
• There is no fee associated with claiming a legitimate lottery prize. There are no “processing fees” to claim your prize.  
• The Montana Lottery does not notify winners via a random text, social media direct message, or an unsolicited phone call.  
• If you didn’t purchase a lottery ticket, you didn’t win.  

Why Lottery Scams Increase During Big Jackpots

READ MORE: Montana, Watch Out for This New Jury Duty Scam

There can be a lot of excitement around the lottery. Scams often increase when jackpots grow and Montana Millionaire tickets go on sale. Don’t fall for the scams. Keep your money and your information safe. Please play responsibly.