Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam

How Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam Works

Overview The Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam targets Indians by impersonating popular television programs and promising high-value rewards. Fraudsters call or message people claiming they've won a contest linked to shows like KBC or Bigg Boss, then collect advance fees for “taxes” or “delivery charges.” This scam has grown alongside the popularity of TV-based competitions, affecting people of all ages. How It Works 1. You receive a call or WhatsApp message from someone claiming to represent a famous TV show. 2. The caller congratulates you for winning a contest, often creating urgency to capture your attention. 3. They request payment of taxes, processing, or courier charges to process the prize. 4. They direct you to transfer the amount using UPI, Paytm, or similar apps, and might even send fake ID cards or certificates. 5. Sometimes, video calls are arranged, with actors posing as TV hosts to further gain your trust. 6. Repeated follow-ups continue until you stop complying or run out of money. India Angle The scam leverages the popularity of shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) and Bigg Boss. Fraudsters use regional languages and promise rewards like bikes, cars, or cash. Hindi-speaking belt areas, as well as southern and northeast states, have reported multiple such attacks. All age groups are vulnerable, especially those who participate in SMS games or polls. Real Examples - “KBC Head Office Mumbai: You’ve won Rs 30 lakh! Pay Rs 5,100 as GST via Google Pay to claim your cheque.” - WhatsApp images of Amitabh Bachchan or Salman Khan attached with fake official letters. - A caller saying, “Sir, I’m from Colors TV, don’t tell anyone—send courier fee today for an iPhone gift.” Red Flags - Calls from unknown numbers naming famous TV shows. - Demands for processing charges or GST before releasing a prize. - Urging secrecy, telling not to inform friends or family. - Fake images, signatures, or certificate attachments in WhatsApp chats. Protective Measures - TV shows never ask winners to pay before getting a prize. Confirm via official show websites or helpline numbers. - Never pay or share personal information over phone or chat for any contest you haven’t entered. - Alert family, especially children and elders who may be excited by game show wins. If Victimised - Stop all payments and keep records of all conversations and payments made. - Report to authorities using 1930 and online at cybercrime.gov.in. - Contact your bank if your payment was made via UPI/Paytm. Related Scams - Reality Show Audition Fee Scams: Fraudsters charge fake audition or registration fees. - Online Game Tournament Prizes with Entry Fee: Victims pay to enter tournaments with promised cash prizes. - Influencer Giveaway Scams: Fake prizes or contests promoted through cloned Instagram/Facebook pages.

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam

• Unknown callers name TV shows and offer prizes
• Asked to pay GST or courier charges up front

What To Do If You Encounter Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam in India

• Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
• Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
• Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam?

Overview The Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam targets Indians by impersonating popular television programs and promising high-value rewards. Fraudsters call or message people claiming they've won a contest linked to shows like KBC or Bigg Boss, then collect advance fees for “taxes” or “delivery charges.” This scam has grown alongside the popularity of TV-based competitions, affecting people of all ages. How It Works 1. You receive a call or WhatsApp message from someone claiming to represent a famo

How does Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam work?

Overview The Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam targets Indians by impersonating popular television programs and promising high-value rewards. Fraudsters call or message people claiming they've won a contest linked to shows like KBC or Bigg Boss, then collect advance fees for “taxes” or “delivery charges.” This scam has grown alongside the popularity of TV-based competitions, affecting people of all age

How to protect yourself from Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam?

Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to report Fake TV Show Prize Call Scam in India?

Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

Verify Any Suspicious Message

Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.