Greece VAT receipt lottery to fight fraud

31 October 2017

In order to try to reduce VAT fraud the Greek government has launched a monthly lottery based on VAT compliant receipts issued to consumers.

From the end of October, every VAT receipt issued in the country will show a unique number which will be automatically entered into a monthly cash-prize draw organised by the government. There will be 1,000 winners each month that will win €1,000 each.

It’s hoped the scheme will encourage Greek consumers to ask for VAT receipts, in order to be entered into this draw. These receipts can only be generated by secure e-registers provided by legitimate VAT registered businesses, this will help to stop fraudulent activities such as evading VAT on cash payments.

Portugal, Poland, Slovakia and Malta have a similar VAT lottery in operation.