Ohio ranks 4th nationally in lottery scam losses

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) — Ohioans have lost more than $34 million to lottery and sweepstakes scams over the last five years, ranking fourth highest in the country for such losses.

The losses come as scammers increasingly target lottery players, particularly when jackpots soar like the recent Mega Millions drawing.

These fraudulent contests are pressuring victims into paying fees to verify or collect winnings.

Dave Grendzynski with Vegas Insider, which released a report on lottery scam losses, said AI-generated phone calls from spoofed local numbers are taking scams to the next level.

“And it sounds like somebody who is a legitimate source from a lottery agency, but all it is is a scammer just trying to get your information or your money,” Grendzynski said.

Grendzynski said Ohioans are falling victim because of an aging population more often targeted by scammers, and the state’s large lottery presence, with $4 billion in annual ticket sales.

“Now you have the app, you have websites, which makes it even easier for people to buy their tickets and get their tickets or play their games. But it also makes it easier for scammers to come across you online,” Grendzynski said.

In Cuyahoga County, only 30 people reported lottery or sweepstakes scams in 2025, nearly all of which were attempts, according to the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad.

The combined loss amount was around $14,000, making it the lowest victim and dollar loss category they track.

An Ohio Lottery representative said lottery and sweepstakes scam activity typically increases when Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are high.

“If somebody is contacting you about a contest that you’ve won and you don’t remember entering this contest, that’s the golden rule. It’s a scam,” Grendzynski said.

The Ohio Lottery runs second-chance promotions, but players must enter themselves to win.

Information is verified through the player’s account and winners are posted publicly on the lottery’s website.

If you receive a call, email or social media message stating you won something, call the Ohio Lottery to verify.

The Ohio Lottery will not call to tell you that you have won a jackpot prize and will never ask for money to claim your prize.