Updated for June 26, 2025: The Washington State Gambling Commission wants to provide awareness that we have seen a recent uptick in a scam we had alerted the public to back in 2022. Recently it was reported that a call was made to a person purporting to be from Publishers Clearing House requesting the individual send in money to redeem their prize. The caller instructed the victim to contact the Washington State Gambling Commission if they had any questions. This public service announcement is to remind everyone not to send any funds to anyone calling and purporting that you have won a prize. If you receive one of these calls hang up and report the incident to WSGC or local law enforcement.
In March 2022, the Washington State Gambling Commission was notified about a sweepstakes/lottery scheme. In this scheme a woman is claiming to be a WSGC employee and providing false credentials.
The individual that reported this event also reported that a group known as American Lucky Winners Inc was sending documents about the fake winnings, some through the mail. The documents include fabricated letters from various institutions such as Nevada Gaming Control Board, New York State Gaming Commission, Bank of America, and others.
The individual stated they were given names, addresses, and phone numbers to utilize when claiming their winnings. The combination of all these documents and information were attempts to convince them that they had won a substantial cash prize and would need to exchange information and documents to claim the prize.
Be aware that there are scammers pretending to be Gambling Commission employees that may contact you and ask for money or personal information. We do not conduct or operate any sweepstakes or lotteries. If this sounds familiar or if you have any questions then please call or email us.
Telephone: 360-486-3606 or 800-345-2529 toll-free.
Email: askus@wsgc.wa.gov