Hello and thank you for entrusting me to answer your question.

Unfortunately, this is a well confirmed scam and you should cease all contact with the individuals who solicited you regarding this lottery. See here for reports debunking the "British International Lottery" scam:

http://www.419legal.org/lottery-scam-letter-archives/10753-british-lottery-headquarters.html

http://www.hotscams.com/articles/lottery-scam-british-lottery-headquarters.html

Specifically, this scammer is operating a variation of what is commonly known as an "advance fee" or "419" scam, in which individuals are contacted and informed of sweepstakes winnings and eventually told that they need to pay a "processing fee" or bank transfer fee in order to receive their winnings.

Don't be misled. You can't win a sweepstakes or lottery that you never entered--voluntarily participation is required in virtually all jurisdictions. Furthermore, international lotteries are illegal in the United States. Further still, legitimate lotteries will never require you to pay up front to receive your winnings. Make no mistake, these scammers will take your "advance fee" and disappear with it.

See here for more information regarding this type of scam: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt022.shtm

See also: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/phonefraud/sweepstakes.shtml

You must not send any money to these scammers or communicate with them further, as further communication will only increase the likely that they will target you for scams in the future.

I sincerely XXXXX XXXXX this information helps you and I wish you the best.

My absolute greatest concern is that you are satisfied with the answer I provide, so please do not hesitate to contact me with follow-up questions. Also, please bear in mind that none of the above constitutes legal advice nor is any attorney client relationship created between us.