Have you received a message or letter saying you’ve won a People’s Postcode Lottery prize voucher and wondered if it’s genuine? You’re not alone. Many people across the UK have asked the same question after getting unexpected emails or printed notifications.
This guide explains how real Postcode Lottery vouchers tend to work, what signs can help point to a fake, and how you can safely check a claim. By understanding how the system operates, you can protect yourself and know what steps to take if you think you’ve won.
What Is a Postcode Lottery Prize Voucher?
A Postcode Lottery prize voucher is a reward occasionally given to players who win specific draws with the People’s Postcode Lottery, a UK subscription lottery licensed by the Gambling Commission. In most draws, winners receive a cash prize. However, at certain times throughout the year, the lottery offers non-cash prizes, such as vouchers.
If your postcode is drawn for a voucher prize, you’ll receive a unique code sent by post or email. You can use this code in the Lotteryshop, the official online shop for winners. The Lotteryshop usually offers over 30 items to choose from — such as cookware, garden tools, books, chocolate boxes, and home electronics. The selection changes regularly, and products are available only while stocks last.
Some winners may receive an E-Gift Card instead of a Lotteryshop voucher. This is a digital voucher redeemable at a range of UK retailers. The exact list of stores can vary over time, depending on current partnerships. To view upcoming prize draws that might include non-cash rewards, you can check the Prize Draw Calendar on the official People’s Postcode Lottery website.
All Postcode Lottery games are random games of chance, meaning outcomes can’t be predicted or influenced. Every draw is conducted under strict licence terms, and winnings can never be guaranteed.
How Can You Tell If a Postcode Lottery Voucher Is Genuine?
Genuine prize vouchers are issued only by the People’s Postcode Lottery to registered, paying players. If you haven’t joined or paid for entry, you can’t win a prize.
Official communication should match the details linked to your player account. For example, if you registered with your full name and email address, the message you receive should include those same details. Legitimate prize emails typically come from an address ending in @service.postcodelottery.co.uk or @postcodelottery.co.uk. Printed letters should use the official logo and include clear contact information.
If you receive a message asking for money, fees, or sensitive details to “release” a prize, it is most likely not genuine. The Postcode Lottery does not charge winners to claim prizes.
Common Signs of a Fake Prize Voucher
Unfortunately, fraudsters do attempt to copy official messages. Here are some key warning signs that a prize notification could be fake:
- The sender’s email address doesn’t match the official domain.
- You’re asked to pay a fee, share bank details, or confirm identity documents.
- The message contains spelling errors or poor grammar.
- It claims you’ve won a prize without ever entering or subscribing.
- It uses urgent language, saying you must act immediately or lose your reward.
- The website link looks suspicious or doesn’t match the genuine postcodelottery.co.uk site.
If any of these appear, it’s best not to click on links or reply. Instead, go directly to the official website using your browser, or contact the customer care team using the number shown there.
Official Ways to Check Your Voucher
The safest way to check a voucher is to visit the official People’s Postcode Lottery website. There, you can use the Winner Checker to confirm the recent winning postcodes. This tool allows you to verify results securely — no bank details or extra payments are needed.
If your voucher is for the Lotteryshop, you can log in through the official site and redeem your prize using the secure link provided. For any E-Gift Card prizes, you should receive instructions through a verified email guiding you to the redemption page where you can select your preferred retailer.
You can also call People’s Postcode Lottery Customer Experience using the phone number published on their official website. The team can confirm whether your notification is genuine and help you with redemption steps if you’ve won. It’s best to contact them directly, rather than replying to any unexpected messages or clicking unfamiliar links.
What Are the Actual Voucher Prizes on Postcode Lottery?
When a draw offers voucher prizes, winners receive a unique code to redeem online. Most are used in the Lotteryshop, the official store for People’s Postcode Lottery winners. The shop features a regularly changing selection of more than 30 items.
Products are offered only while stocks last, so the range may differ from one draw to another. Some draws may instead award an E-Gift Card, which can be spent with participating UK retailers, such as homeware or department stores. Each prize type has its own terms and expiry date that should be detailed in the winner’s email or letter.
You can check the Prize Draw Calendar on the official website to see when non-cash prizes are available throughout the year.
Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious Voucher
If something doesn’t feel right about a message or letter, pause before acting. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the sender’s details. Genuine emails will match the official domains used by People’s Postcode Lottery.
- Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. Instead, go directly to the website using your browser.
- Use the Winner Checker on the official site to confirm recent draws.
- Contact customer care via the official phone number for verification.
- Report potential scams to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, if you think someone is impersonating the lottery.
It’s important to remember that all lottery games are based on chance. There’s no guaranteed outcome, and any claims suggesting otherwise are usually false.
Playing any lottery, including the People’s Postcode Lottery, should be treated as a form of entertainment — not a way to make money. Spend only what you’re comfortable with and set personal spending limits that suit your own circumstances.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.