In today’s digital age, the internet has become an essential part of our lives, making many of our daily tasks more convenient. However, as internet usage has increased, so have the risks associated with it. Cyber fraud and scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters constantly developing new methods to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One of these newer methods is the “scratch card scam,” which is exposing many people to significant financial loss.
How does the scratch card scam work?
Recently, a new form of cyber fraud has emerged that targets individuals with scratch cards. In these scams, victims receive a scratch card through a courier service promising a chance to win a substantial amount of money. Once the card is scratched, the recipient is informed that they have won a large prize (usually cash), often running into hundreds of thousands (in Indian currency). The victim is then asked to call a phone number provided on the card to claim their winnings.
This is where the scam begins. Upon calling the number, the victim is told that in order to receive the prize money, they must first pay a processing fee and taxes. Trusting this information, the victim follows the scammer’s instructions, which usually involve providing personal information and making payments. By doing so, the victim unknowingly grants the scammer access to their bank account, resulting in significant financial loss.
Scratch card fraud: practical examples
A recent case from Thiruvananthapuram highlights the dangers of scratch card fraud. A woman received a scratch card in the mail stating that she had won Rs 800,000. After following the instructions on the card and calling the number provided, she was told that she would have to pay fees and taxes to claim her prize. She complied and shortly after, Rs 230,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from her bank account.
Another similar incident took place in Bangalore where a woman was promised Rs 15.51 lakh after scratching a card. Thinking she had won, she called the number provided and provided her details and ID card. A large sum of money was then debited from her account.
How can you protect yourself from such scams?
To avoid becoming a victim of scratch card fraud, follow these tips:
- Do not respond to unsolicited scratch cards: If you receive a scratch card out of the blue, be suspicious and do not react to it immediately.
- Do you know the rules about lottery and chances of winning: Legitimate lotteries or prizes don’t require the winner to pay any fees or taxes up front. If you’re asked to make a payment to claim your prize, it’s probably a scam.
- Check the source: If you receive a scratch card and suspect a scam, contact the company that supposedly sent it to confirm its authenticity. Always check directly with company representatives on how to claim your prize.
- Never share personal information: Never provide your personal information, bank details or ID to redeem a scratch card or other prize without verifying the legitimacy of the sender.
You need to stay alert and informed so that you can protect yourself from falling victim to scratch card scams and similar fraudulent schemes.
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