Player Protection

Player Protection - Steps to safeguard your tickets:

Only purchase tickets from a licensed California Lottery Retailer.
Check your tickets before leaving retailer location?
Did you receive the correct number of tickets?
Did you receive the correct wager amount?
Did you receive any coupons, draw entries or promotions on selected games?
Did you receive the correct number you wished to play?
Place your signature on the back of the tickets purchased. This make it more difficult for someone else to claim your prize.
Check your own tickets to determine if there are winnings on them before presenting them to the retailer for validation. Many retailers have Self Service Terminals (SST) or Check-a-Ticket terminals.
Ask for a validation receipt from the retailer.
Report any suspicious activity to the California Lottery’s Security/Law Enforcement Division immediately. It is more difficult to investigate days or weeks after an incident has occurred. Remember to have the Retailer name, Retailer address and date/time of incident when reporting and incident. Contact the California Lottery Security/Law Enforcement Division at 1-800- LOTTERY or 1-800-568-8379

Player Protection - Steps to avoid scams:

Never redeem Lottery tickets for someone you do not know.
Never give credit card information over the phone to anyone claiming to be the California Lottery or promising Lottery cash prizes or memberships.
Never accept collect calls from anyone claiming to be a California Lottery official.
Never respond to letters, emails or phone calls from someone who promises you a winning prize. The California Lottery is only a chance to win a prize if you purchase from a authorized Lottery retailer.
If you are participating in a “lottery pool”, do so only with people you trust.
Buy Lottery products only from authorized lottery retailers.
If you have questions about a California Lottery ticket call the California Lottery Security/Law Enforcement Division at 1-800- LOTTERY (800-568-8379),
Do not let some else dial or call the California Lottery for you. You may not be connected to the California Lottery representative.