Fraud & Scam Awareness for the Green Card Lottery

 The Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery) is one of the most popular U.S. immigration programs. Because of its global reach, it has unfortunately attracted many scammers who prey on applicants. To protect yourself, it is essential to understand how the official process works and how to spot fraudulent schemes.

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How to Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams

1. Always use the official website

   • The only authorized platform for submitting your DV Lottery application is the U.S. State Department’s website: dvprogram.state.gov.

   • Do not use other websites claiming to process entries or guarantee selection.

2. Never trust guarantees of winning

   • The lottery is random. No lawyer, agent, or organization can influence the results.

   • Anyone promising to “secure” your selection is running a scam.

3. Keep your confirmation number safe

   • After submitting your entry, you receive a unique confirmation number. This is the only proof of submission and the only way to check results later.

   • Scammers often offer to “check results for you” and then demand money. Always check directly on the official website.

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Why You Should Not Pay Anyone to Enter the Lottery (It’s Free!)

• The DV Lottery is completely free to enter. There are no charges for creating or submitting an application.

• Agents and websites that demand payment for entry are exploiting applicants.

• The only legitimate costs occur after selection, such as visa fees, medical exams, and processing fees at U.S. embassies or consulates.

Paying someone to “enter on your behalf” is risky because:

• They may enter false information.

• They may withhold your confirmation number.

• They may later demand payment to release your entry details.

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Signs of Fake DV Lottery Websites

Scammers often build convincing websites. To avoid falling victim:

1. Look for the official domain

   • The official site always ends with .gov (dvprogram.state.gov).

   • Fake sites may use .com, .org, or names that look similar to the official site.

2. Beware of email scams

   • The U.S. government does not email winners. If you receive an email claiming you were selected, it is fake.

3. Watch for payment requests

   • Fake sites ask for “processing fees” or “application charges.”

   • Remember: the application is free.

4. Check for unrealistic promises

   • Phrases like “Guaranteed Selection,” “Fast Approval,” or “Special Entry Access” are red flags.

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How Winners Are Officially Notified

• Winners are only notified online through the official U.S. State Department website.

• After submission, you receive a confirmation number. To check if you were selected, you must log in to the Entrant Status Check (ESC) on dvprogram.state.gov using this number.

• The U.S. government does not send letters, emails, text messages, or phone calls to announce winners.

If you lose your confirmation number, there is a recovery tool on the official site, but no legitimate third party can retrieve it for you.

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Final Reminder

The DV Lottery is one of the simplest immigration processes in the world — but because it is free and widely popular, it attracts scammers. Protect yourself by:

• Applying only through the official State Department website

• Never paying to enter

• Keeping your confirmation number safe

• Ignoring emails or calls claiming you have won

By staying alert and informed, you can participate confidently and avoid falling victim to fraud.