Lottery and Lucky Draw Prize Scam — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 27, 2026

Severity: HIGH | View Full Scam Details

Beware the 2026 Lottery and Lucky Draw Prize Scam in India: How to Avoid Losing Your Money

Hundreds of Indians fall prey every month to fake lottery and lucky draw prize scams that steal money via UPI and WhatsApp.

What Is the Lottery and Lucky Draw Prize Scam?

The lottery and lucky draw prize scam is a deceitful trick where fraudsters pretend you’ve won a huge cash prize, luxury gift, or government lottery, but only if you pay some “processing fees” first. Scammers often masquerade as popular Indian TV shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), reputed government lottery schemes, or big-name brands to gain trust.

This scam targets everyday Indian internet users, especially those active on WhatsApp and mobile phones. With India’s digital economy booming and UPI payments becoming the norm, fraudsters exploit people’s eagerness for instant winnings by requesting UPI transfers disguised as “tax” or “verification fees.” The scam is widespread across states, with many victims coming from smaller towns who often lack awareness of such cyber threats.

The Indian government and its agencies have acknowledged the problem. CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) routinely issue alerts on fake lottery scams. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also warns customers not to share UPI PINs or authenticate payments under unknown pretenses.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact: You receive a WhatsApp message or phone call from an unknown number claiming you’ve won a big prize in a lucky draw, lottery, or a show like KBC. The message appears official with logos, ticket numbers, or winning codes.

2. Verification & Persuasion: The scammer asks you to verify your identity or “claim your prize” by sharing personal details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, or bank details via WhatsApp or SMS.

3. Payment Request: To “process” your winnings, you’re asked to pay a fee — often called a “tax deduction,” “processing fee,” or “courier charges.” They usually request this via UPI transfer, stressing urgency with messages like “send within 30 minutes to avoid losing prize.”

4. Fake Confirmation: After transferring money, you might receive fake confirmation receipts or fake websites resembling government portals — all to maintain trust and lure you into sending more funds.

5. Cut-off Contact: Once the scammers collect the amount, they disappear instantly. They may even block your number or use SIM swap fraud tactics to harvest more data or money.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• You are contacted unexpectedly about winning a prize you never entered.
• Messages or calls come from unknown numbers or countries, often without a verifiable sender ID.
• Requests for payment by UPI or instant bank transfer before receiving any official document.
• Pressure tactics with urgent deadlines or threats of losing the prize.
• Asking for sensitive information such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank passwords, or OTPs.
• Poor spelling, grammar, or unprofessional tone in messages pretending to be official.
• No way to verify the lottery or lucky draw through official websites or customer support.

What Happens to Victims

Victims suffer significant financial loss, often transferring thousands or lakhs of rupees through UPI to the scammers. Because UPI transactions are instant and irreversible, recovering the funds is extremely difficult. If scammers misuse your Aadhaar or PAN details, you risk identity theft leading to further fraud such as SIM swap or fake loans.

The emotional toll is also high. Victims experience stress and embarrassment, sometimes delaying reporting the crime due to shame or uncertainty. Especially in rural areas where awareness is low, this scam breaks trust in digital payments and leads to long-term financial insecurity.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

RBI has repeatedly warned users about phishing and payment frauds linked to UPI, emphasizing never to share UPI PINs or authenticate payments based on unsolicited messages or calls. They advise customers to use only official apps and verify the authenticity of any prize-related communication.

CERT-In and I4C urge users to report any suspicious messages or transactions immediately via the 1930 Cybercrime Helpline or the Government’s cybercrime portal. In August 2023, CERT-In issued an advisory specifically highlighting the surge in lottery scams using messaging apps and advised people to ignore and block such contacts.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never trust messages claiming you’ve won a lottery or prize without entering a contest.
2. Verify any prize notification directly from official sources or verified websites.
3. Do not share Aadhaar, PAN, or banking details over WhatsApp or SMS.
4. Never send UPI payments or share OTPs for “processing fees” or “tax deductions.”
5. Block and report suspicious numbers immediately on WhatsApp and mobile.
6. Use two-factor authentication and app locks on UPI apps like BHIM, Google Pay, or PhonePe.
7. Regularly check your bank and UPI transaction history for unauthorized payments.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you suspect you’ve been scammed:

1. Immediately block the scammer’s number on WhatsApp and your phone.
2. Contact your bank or UPI app provider to raise disputes for unauthorized transactions. Use RBI’s customer helpline if needed.
3. File a complaint with the cybercrime portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
4. Call the 1930 Cybercrime Helpline to report the scam and get guidance.
5. Change your UPI PIN and online banking passwords immediately.
6. Inform your mobile operator if you suspect SIM misuse or swap.
7. Keep all screenshots, messages, and call records as evidence for police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my money back if I paid a “processing fee” to claim a lottery prize?
A: Unfortunately, UPI payments are instant and usually irreversible. Banks may help block further fraudulent transactions, but recovering money is difficult. Always report immediately.

Q: How can I verify if a lottery message is genuine?
A: Check official government or brand websites. Genuine lotteries never ask for upfront fees via UPI. Also, official winnings come with printed letters or calls from registered numbers.

Q: What if I accidentally shared my Aadhaar or PAN details with scammers?
A: Monitor your accounts closely for suspicious activity. Report identity theft to UIDAI and cybercrime authorities promptly. Change passwords linked to any affected accounts.

Lottery and lucky draw prize scams are increasing in India, especially with rising digital payments. Don’t let scammers trick you into losing your hard-earned money. Always verify suspicious messages before responding.

If you receive suspicious lottery or prize messages, visit BharatSecure.app to check legitimacy and stay protected!