Lottery scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers inform victims that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes, often without having entered. These scams typically require the victim to pay fees or taxes upfront to claim their supposed winnings, which do not exist. Victims may receive emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from legitimate organizations, such as the National Lottery or Publishers Clearing House. Scammers often use official-looking logos and documents to appear credible, making it crucial for individuals to verify any claims before providing personal information or money.