Mississippi Lottery issues warning about app impersonation schemes

The Mississippi Lottery has no app—don't fall for the scam. 

Fraudulent social media posts are targeting Mississippi residents with a dangerous lie. These posts claim you can download an app to buy Mississippi Lottery tickets online.

Here's the truth: The Mississippi Lottery Corporation does not have an app. You cannot buy Mississippi Lottery tickets online. Period.

How the scam works

Scammers post on social media platforms encouraging people to download fake apps. These apps claim to sell legitimate Mississippi Lottery tickets. They don't.

Instead, these fraudulent apps steal your personal information and financial data. They may also charge your credit card without delivering any real lottery tickets.

Where can you actually buy Mississippi Lottery tickets?

Official Mississippi Lottery tickets and scratch-offs are only available through authorized retailers across the state. You must visit a physical location to make a purchase.

Want to verify if a retailer is authorized? The Mississippi Lottery Corporation maintains a list of official retailers on its website.

Red flags to watch for

How do you spot these scams? Look for these warning signs:

• Social media posts promoting lottery apps for Mississippi
• Apps claiming to sell Mississippi Lottery tickets online
• Requests for personal or financial information from unofficial sources
• Links that seem suspicious or redirect to unfamiliar websites

What should you do if you encounter a scam?

Don't click suspicious links. Don't download questionable apps. Don't provide personal or financial information to third-party sources claiming to sell Mississippi Lottery tickets.

If you have questions about the legitimacy of Mississippi Lottery information, call their Customer Service Team at 601-487-1355.

Which states actually allow online lottery purchases?

Mississippi isn't alone in prohibiting online lottery sales. Most states require in-person purchases.

However, 14 states and jurisdictions do allow online lottery ticket sales:

• Connecticut
• The District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Do any states have official lottery apps?

Yes, but they're rare. Some states with official lottery apps include:

• California
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas

Notice Mississippi isn't on this list? That's because they don't have one.

The bottom line

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation is crystal clear: they have no app, and you cannot buy their tickets online. Any claim otherwise is a scam designed to steal your money and personal information.

Stick to authorized retailers. Stay vigilant about suspicious online offers. When in doubt, call the official customer service number.

Your wallet—and your identity—will thank you.