Hyderabad man scammed of Rs. 2.1 lakh in fake Kerala lottery draw

Hyderabad: A 67-year-old self-employed man from Hyderabad became a victim of a lottery scam after receiving a phone call from fraudsters via Instagram one week ago. The scammers claimed he had won ₹5,00,000 in a Kerala Lucky Draw lottery.

Believing the message, the victim was instructed to deposit ₹2,17,426 into multiple bank accounts, including those from SBI, IDFC, and Union Bank of India, within three days in order to claim his prize. After making the payments, the victim’s calls went unanswered, and he realized he had been duped.

The victim filed a complaint with Hyderabad cybercrime police, seeking assistance.

Public Advisory:

Scammers are increasingly targeting individuals by impersonating lottery organizations and claiming that they’ve won prizes. These fraudsters typically reach out via phone calls, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, or messages, requesting money for "processing fees," "taxes," or "registration charges."

It is important to remember that legitimate lottery winnings do not require upfront payments or the sharing of personal information. Fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making quick payments.

To avoid falling for such scams, do not share sensitive details like bank account numbers or ID proofs. Verify any prize claims with the official Kerala State Lotteries Department through their helpline or website.

In case of cyber fraud, contact 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. For immediate assistance, reach out via WhatsApp or call 8712665171.