WhatsApp Lottery & Free Gift Scams
Short Note :
WhatsApp Lottery & Free Gift Scams mostly work by sending fake prize, lottery or gift win messages to people so that money, personal details and OTP are got in a trap. This scam spreads fast and silent ways.
🔹 Detailed Explanation :
English:
WhatsApp Lottery & Free Gift Scams are in the list of highly used frauds through the most common use of the Internet in India. Different types of messages such as winning a lottery, a cell phone, a car, cash prize, or gift vouchers are sent to the potential victims. Also, the message tries to impersonate a well-known existing company or brand.
Taken the bait, in order to get the prize, victims are asked first of all for “payment of processing fees,” “payment of tax charges,” various personal details such as photo ID card number, bank details, or OTPs that are to be shared. As soon as the victim pays or gives the personal information, the scammer blocks the victim and disappears.
Hindi :
WhatsApp Lottery & Free Gift Scams me victim ko message aata hai ki unhone lottery jeeti hai ya unko free gift mil raha hai — jaise car, mobile, cash prize ya voucher. Message aksar kisi famous company ya brand ke naam se bheja jaata hai.
Prize claim karne ke liye victim se registration fee, tax charge, ya personal details maangi jaati hain. Jaise hi paisa ya details share hoti hain, scammer contact tod deta hai aur victim ko loss ho jaata hai.
🔹 Main Conditions
- The message comes through WhatsApp or SMS
- You have never applied for the lottery or prize you receive
- You are asked to pay a fee or tax for claiming the prize
- Bank details, Aadhaar, PAN or OTPs are asked for
- The sender is unknown or uses a fake verified name
🔹 Example
Meena received a WhatsApp message that she had won a lottery of Rs. 25 lakhs. The message stated that in order to claim the prize, a processing fee of Rs. 9,500 had to be paid. After the money was sent, the sender blocked Meena.
🔹 Key Legal Points
- Fake lottery and gift scams are considered under the cheating category
- IPC Section 420 (Cheating) is applicable
- IT Act punishes online frauds
- Fake brand impersonation is also an offense
- Timely reporting can lead to an account freeze
🔹 Nyay Neeti Advice
- No genuine company announces lottery through WhatsApp
- The rule of paying for a free prize is never valid
- Please ignore unknown links, forms, or payment requests
- If you suspect a fraud, immediately call 1930 Cyber Helpline
- Make your family members and elders aware of such scams
