CLEVELAND, OH – The Ohio Lottery is urging players to remain vigilant against scams this holiday season, as fraudsters often use the busy time of year to target unsuspecting individuals. Scams can come through phone calls, texts, social media conversations, or other forms of communication, the Lottery warns.
Officials emphasize that you cannot win a prize if you haven’t entered a promotion or drawing. Common scam tactics include asking for personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or account numbers.
The Ohio Lottery reminds players that taxes are never required upfront to claim a prize, and winnings can only be redeemed at authorized retailers or regional offices. For MyLotto Rewards® members, prizes up to $25,000 can also be claimed via the Lottery’s mobile app.
Players are advised to avoid signing unsolicited checks, verify interactions on social media by looking for the blue check mark on official Ohio Lottery accounts, and contact the Lottery directly if they suspect a scam.