A lottery scam is a fraudulent scheme where individuals are falsely informed that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes they did not enter. Scammers often use official-looking emails, letters, or phone calls to convince victims that they need to pay fees or taxes to claim their supposed winnings. These scams can target anyone, but they often prey on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly. Victims may lose money and personal information, leading to further scams or identity theft. It is essential to verify any lottery claims and report suspicious communications to authorities.