Green-Card Lottery 'You Won — Pay a Fee' Scam
A message claims you won the Diversity Visa (green-card) lottery and must pay a fee to claim it — but the real program is free to enter and doesn't email winners for payment.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You receive an email or message saying you've won the US green-card (Diversity Visa) lottery and must pay a processing or 'confirmation' fee to proceed, often by wire. The real DV program is free to enter, selects applicants who check their own status online (it does not email winners), and any required visa fees are paid to the government at your consular interview, not to an emailer. Scammers also charge to 'enter' the free lottery. The upfront fee and any payment to an intermediary are the scam.
What it usually looks like
- A 'you won the green-card lottery' email/message.
- A fee to claim or confirm your win.
- Payment by wire to an intermediary.
- Requests for personal/passport data.
Common warning signs
- Being emailed that you 'won' the DV lottery.
- Upfront fees to claim or to 'enter' (it's free).
- Wire payments to non-government parties.
- Requests for money before any official process.
Example wording scammers use
“Congratulations, you won the US Green Card Lottery! Pay the $819 processing fee to claim your visa.”
“Confirm your win by wiring the confirmation fee today.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Upfront 'fees' by wire.
- Your personal/passport data.
- To exploit immigration hopes.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Enter the DV lottery only at the official free government site; check status yourself there.
- Never pay a fee to an emailer to 'claim' a green card.
- Pay official visa fees only at your consular interview to the government.
- Report the message.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank about any wire immediately.
- Verify your real status only on the official site.
- Report to the State Department and reportfraud.ftc.gov.