Common Scams 
I magine waking up to a message claiming you’ve won a life-changing jackpot of Rs 25 lakh, of Rs 50 lakh, or maybe even more. Your heart races. You didn’t even buy a ticket, but hey, what if it’s real?
Thousands of people fall for it every year, and before they know it, they are asked to pay a “small processing fee” to claim their big wins. For example, a 67-year-old man from Hyderabad lost over Rs 2 lakh in January 2025 to an Instagram scam promising a Rs 5 lakh prize. Meanwhile, a 45-year-old woman in Bengaluru fell victim to a scratch card scam in May 2024, believing she had won Rs 15.51 lakh but ultimately losing Rs 18.4 lakh over several months as fraudsters kept asking for tax payments. Similarly, a 50-year-old goldsmith in Bengaluru lost Rs 74,000 in February 2024 after scammers convinced him he had won Rs 14.7 lakh in an online Kerala lottery, only to keep demanding fees until his money was gone.
Lottery scams are elaborate frauds designed to drain your bank account. From fake Kerala lotteries to receiving what seems like a legitimate WhatsApp Message from Kaun Banega Crorepati, scammers are getting more sophisticated every day. Scammers use cunning tricks to make their scams appear very realistic but with a little awareness you can protect yourself and your money.
You’ve Won Crores! (Or Have You?) — KBC Lottery Frauds
The way it works is neat and tidy. You receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number informing you that you have just won Rs 25 lakh in a lottery organized by Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and Reliance Jio.
Sounds tempting, right? That’s what the scammers want.
When you go ahead and call the number provided, you are told that you have to pay some refundable fees in order for them to process your winnings as they are going to help you with GST fees and other charges. They give you your good news: not only did you win Rs 25 lakh but now the prize amount is Rs 45 lakh and then later it climbs to Rs 75 lakh (they keep coming up with a bigger prize amount to keep you hooked). They insist on communicating only via WhatsApp and demand deposits into various bank accounts. Once you stop paying, the scammers disappear, leaving you behind in a financial disaster.
Looking back, it seems obvious that certain ‘scams’ are scams in the first place, but these cons are designed to shock you out of rational thought. So what’s the best defense? Identify the signs of a scam before it is too late.
How to Spot If You’re Being Scammed
Lottery scams can be convincing, but if you pay close attention, there are always warning signs. Here’s what to watch out for:
- You’re Told You Won a Lottery You Never Entered: If you did not purchase a lottery ticket or enter a contest, you cannot win! That is common sense. Scammers count on the fact that victims will forget common sense over their excitement of winning a lottery.
- The Message Comes from an Unknown Number or Email: Most scam messages are sent via WhatsApp, email, or social media, often from suspicious numbers. Genuine lottery officials do not contact winners through personal messaging apps.
- Poor Grammar, Spelling Mistakes, and Unprofessional Formatting: Many scam messages contain obvious errors in language, awkward phrasing, and inconsistent formatting. All clear signs that they are not from a legitimate organization.
- You’re Asked to Pay Fees Upfront: No legitimate lottery requires you to pay a processing fee, GST, or taxes before receiving your winnings. Real lotteries deduct such charges from the prize money itself. If someone demands payment before you receive your prize, it’s a scam.
- They Create a Sense of Urgency: Scammers will push victims to act quickly, saying the offer is time sensitive. This is to prevent you from thinking rationally and consulting your family members or authorities to verify the claim.
- Unrealistic Prize Amounts: A common tactic is to lure victims with an initial amount and later increase the prize (e.g., from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh) to keep them engaged. No real lottery works this way.
By spotting these warning signs early on, you can take steps to avoid making a financial loss.
How to Protect Yourself and What to Do If You’re Scammed
The best way to protect yourself from lottery scams is to stay aware and by being cautious. If you get a notification about winning money or a prize, it’s worth taking a moment to pause and think before taking any action. For example, when verifying any claims, you must contact the official lottery handles rather than any contact details in the suspect communication.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly:
- Document Everything: Keep records of all messages, emails, and calls from the scammer.
- Gather Proof: Save screenshots, bank transaction details, and any correspondence.
- Report the Scam: File a complaint at your local police station with all relevant evidence.
- Share Information with Authorities: Provide both digital and hard copies of any documents that could assist in the investigation. Report online fraud cases at the Government of India’s official cybercrime portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in.
If you or a loved one has been targeted, remember it’s not your fault. These fraudsters are professionals at deception. The best way to fight back is with knowledge and caution. Reporting the fraud to the authorities is one way to help catch the scammers and perhaps stop someone else from being scammed in the future.
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