Online Lottery Scam - Stay Alert !

What Happened

A man from Calicut received a message via Facebook.
The message claimed: “You have won a lottery of 40,000 USD (approximately ₹33 lakh).”
The fraudsters then said: “First pay the tax/fees, after that the money will be transferred.”
Believing this, the person paid the amount.
After receiving the money, the fraudsters stopped responding and disappeared.
This is a scam.

How Does This Type of Scam Work?

1. Messages are sent via Facebook / WhatsApp / Email.
2. They claim you have won a lottery or prize.
3. To release the prize, they ask for tax, processing fee, bank charges, or customs charges.
4. Once the money is sent → they vanish without any further contact.

Why Is This a Scam?

• Genuine lotteries or prizes never require you to pay money in advance.

• The RBI has issued warnings stating that:
  • Foreign lotteries are illegal in India.
  • Remittance of such foreign prize money to individuals is not permitted.

Legal Position in India

• Foreign lotteries are banned in India, except those conducted by State Governments.
• As per RBI regulations, transfer of such prize money is not possible.
• Paying money in such cases amounts to financial fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not trust messages claiming lottery winnings received via Facebook, WhatsApp, or Email.
• “Pay money to receive a prize” → 100% fake.

• If you receive such messages, immediately file a complaint:
  • Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
  • Cyber Crime Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in

• Block the fraudsters.
• Educate friends and family members about such scams.

Public Awareness Message

“If anyone tells you via Facebook, WhatsApp, or Email that you have won a lottery → it is a scam.
A genuine prize never asks for tax, fees, or charges in advance.
If you receive such messages, immediately call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.”

For More Information & Assistance

Dr. Mohammed Mustafa C.T.
Senior Tax Consultant, BRQ Associates
???? +91 96331 81898
???? brqassociates@gmail.com
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