Namibia regulator warns public of fake state lottery platforms
The regulator said no operator has yet been authorised to offer state lottery products in the country.
Namibia.- The Lotteries Board of Namibia has warned the public about a scam involving fake competitions and websites claiming to represent a licensed state lottery operator. The regulator said it does not run competitions or operate lottery products. Its role is to regulate promotional competitions and lottery activities in Namibia.
The warning comes as the country has yet to launch its state lottery. The Lotteries Board said any social media account or website claiming to be an official licensed state lottery operator is false.
The regulator urged members of the public not to provide bank account details, personal information, passwords, PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs) in response to such messages or through websites making these claims. It said people should verify lottery-related information through its official communication channels before providing personal or financial information.
The alert was issued as Namibia moves ahead with plans to establish its state lottery under the Lotteries Act, 2017. The Lotteries Board has been involved in preparations for the launch, including work related to the appointment of an operator.
Until that process is completed and an operator is formally authorised, there is no legitimate state lottery platform through which consumers can buy tickets, register accounts or claim lottery prizes. The Board urged members of the public who encounter suspected scams to report them directly for further action.
