Lottery scams usually aim to get you to pay “processing fees” or “taxes” for you to claim your alleged prize. In some instances, they may even persuade you to provide personal information which can then be used for identity theft. Look out for these tell-tale signs that it’s a scam: You haven’t entered the competition but you are offered a prize. According to you your ticket numbers don’t match the published results, but someone contacts you and says you’ve won.   You’re offered a prize based on randomly drawn mobile numbers or email addresses – no legitimate lottery offers such a service.  You’re told you’ve been entered into a draw by another individual. No one is authorised to enter your details into a competition without your permission or knowledge.  Legitimate lotteries will never ask for a fee to cover the transfer of your winnings.  Information is received via letters or text with poor spelling and grammar. You receive photocopied documents that don’t look legit.