The official warning signs
- “You won” by email, letter, text or message. The U.S. government does not notify DV selectees that way; results are only in Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov.
- A request for money. The government never asks you to pay in advance by check, money order or wire transfer, or to send DV fees to a person or through Western Union, PayPal or a bank transfer.
- A sender that does not end in .gov. Official U.S. government email and websites end in .gov; look-alike sites often use the flag, the Capitol or the Statue of Liberty.
- Promises of better chances, special access or a guaranteed visa. Nobody can influence a random drawing, and being selected is not a visa.
- Requests for personal information, offers of a job or housing, or pressure to add people who are not your spouse or child.
Report a scam
Report it to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and see the Department of State’s fraud page for its own reporting options. Keep the message as evidence and never send money to “unlock” a prize or a visa.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov ↗Questions
Does the U.S. government email DV winners?
No. The Department of State says entrants will not receive a notification letter or email telling them they were selected. Results are only in Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. A genuine email may only remind you to check your status there.
Can anyone increase my chances of winning?
No. Selection is a random drawing. The Department of State does not work with consultants, and nobody can improve your chances or give special access.
How are real DV fees paid?
The $1 entry fee on the official form, the $330 application fee at the embassy or consulate cashier, and the $235 USCIS fee online at uscis.gov. Never by bank transfer, Western Union, PayPal, gift cards, cryptocurrency or to a person.
Is my message sent anywhere when I check it?
No. The check runs inside your browser and the text is never uploaded or saved.
What should I do with a scam message?
Do not pay, reply or click its links. Check your status yourself at dvprogram.state.gov, keep your confirmation number private, and report the message to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the Department of State.