Michigan Lottery Warns: Fake Lottery Apps and “You Won” Messages Are Scamming People

The Michigan Lottery is warning people across Michigan about a rise in online lottery scams, especially on social media. The scams are made to look official, sound urgent, and trick people into sending money or personal information.

Here’s what’s going on.
Scammers are posting ads and sending messages that claim to be connected to the Michigan Lottery. Some promote fake lottery apps or websites. Others tell people they have won a prize, even though they never bought a ticket.

Once contact is made, the scammer says a fee is required to claim the winnings. They may call it taxes, processing, delivery, or verification. After money is sent, the requests often continue or the scammer disappears entirely.

The rule is simple. The Michigan Lottery never charges a fee to claim a prize. People are losing money in a few common ways:
Paying so-called “fees” after being told they won

Downloading fake lottery apps that collect payment or banking info Buying lottery tickets through social media or third-party websites that are not authorized

Being pressured to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or cash apps In some reported cases, victims sent hundreds of dollars before realizing there was no prize. Once the money is sent, it is gone.
Here’s how to stay safe:
If you didn’t buy a ticket, you didn’t win
Never send money to claim a prize
Ignore lottery offers on social media
Only buy tickets from licensed retailers or the official Michigan Lottery app or website

Never share banking or personal information with someone claiming to be the lottery

Bottom line :
If someone says you won the Michigan Lottery and asks for money first, it’s a scam. No ticket, no prize, no exceptions.