Image: Richie Diesterheft · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

DV Lottery (Visa Lottery) Scams — Application is FREE

DV Lottery entry is COMPLETELY FREE. Scammers charge $100-$1000 to file 'on your behalf'. State Dept never emails winners. How to spot and avoid.

DV Lottery (Visa Lottery) Scams — Application is FREE

DV Lottery is FREE — submit yourself at dvprogram.state.gov during October-November window.

State Department NEVER sends emails to winners. Only way to check is at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC using your confirmation number.

Common scams:

“We’ll enter you” for $100-$1000 fee
“You won — pay processing fee” (FAKE)
“Need to verify your win — pay fee” (FAKE)
“Premium DV services” (BS — entry is FREE)

Report: state.gov/dvscams

General consumer protection resources

FTC Consumer Complaint: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): consumerfinance.gov/complaint
State Attorney General (varies by state)
Better Business Bureau: bbb.org

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General prevention information — not legal advice. If victimized, consult attorney for options.

Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections

Frequently asked questions

If I was victimized, can I recover the money?

DEPENDS. If paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge. If paid cash or wire transfer, harder. Report IMMEDIATELY to FTC, bank, and authorities. Some attorneys take immigration fraud cases on contingency.

How can I verify an attorney/consultant is legitimate?

ATTORNEY: search State Bar of state where they practice (e.g., calbar.ca.gov California). BIA-Accredited Representative: official roster at justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation. NEVER rely on titles or advertising alone.

I'm reporting — will I get deported?

Reporting USCIS/IRS/FTC scams generally does NOT affect your immigration status. These agencies focus on the scammers. If concerned about your own case, consult immigration attorney before reporting. But don’t let fear stop you from protecting others.

How much does talking to a real immigration attorney cost?

Initial consultation: $0-$300 (many nonprofits do it free). Full case: $1,500-$10,000+ depending on complexity. AILA has directory: ailalawyer.com. Pro bono via CLINIC: cliniclegal.org. Legal aid by state: see /procedures/legal-aid-by-state/.

The rules change. Hear about it first.

Monthly digest of USCIS, IRS, and consulate fee, form, and deadline changes — no spam.

General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.

DV Lottery (Visa Lottery) Scams — Application is FREE

General consumer protection resources

Related information

Related procedural information

Frequently asked questions

Related resources

Major federal procedures

Detention and constitutional rights

Finances for immigrants

The rules change. Hear about it first.