A resident of Mangaluru fell victim to a lottery scam, losing Rs 1.85 lakh after being falsely informed that his selected ticket had won a prize of Rs 12 lakh. The incident highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud in the region.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, received a call from an unknown person who convinced him to participate in a lottery scheme. The caller asked the victim to choose a number and pay a nominal fee of Rs 100 through a QR code sent via a messaging app. After the payment was made, the victim was contacted later the same day and told that his chosen number had won the grand prize of Rs 12 lakh.
Additional Demands for Payment
To release the supposed winnings, the fraudsters demanded further payments under various pretexts, including processing fees, taxes, and security deposits. The victim, believing he had indeed won, transferred additional amounts in multiple transactions, totaling Rs 1.85 lakh. It was only when the scammers stopped responding that he realized he had been cheated.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities in Mangaluru have registered a case and are investigating the incident. Cybercrime experts advise citizens to be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages promising large sums of money. They emphasize that legitimate lotteries do not require advance fees or payments through QR codes.
Preventive Measures
To avoid falling prey to such scams, the public is urged to verify the authenticity of any lottery or prize scheme through official channels. Never share personal or financial information with unknown callers, and report suspicious activities to the cybercrime helpline immediately.
