Two Bengaluru residents have allegedly lost ₹13.71 lakh in a lottery scam after being convinced that they had won a lucrative prize in a Kerala lottery scheme.
According to reports, the victims were contacted by fraudsters who claimed they had won a lottery and could receive the prize money after completing certain payment formalities.
Fraudsters lure victims with prize promise
Police said the accused allegedly persuaded the victims to transfer money under various pretexts, including processing charges, taxes and other fees required to release the purported lottery winnings.
Believing the claims to be genuine, the victims reportedly made multiple payments over a period of time.
However, the promised lottery amount never materialised, and the victims later realised they had been deceived.
Losses amount to ₹13.71 lakh
The two Bengaluru residents are said to have collectively lost ₹13.71 lakh before approaching the police.
A case has been registered and an investigation is underway to identify and trace those involved in the fraud.
Police officials have urged the public to remain cautious when receiving messages, calls or emails claiming lottery winnings, especially when advance payments are demanded.
Police issue caution
Cybercrime experts warn that lottery scams remain one of the most common forms of financial fraud. Fraudsters often target individuals by informing them of fake lottery wins and then seeking money in the name of verification charges, taxes or documentation fees.
Authorities advise citizens never to transfer money to claim lottery prizes and to verify the authenticity of such offers through official channels before responding.
The incident serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant against online and phone-based financial scams.