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Lottery Scam Exposed: How Fake Jackpot Messages Are Making People Broke, Tech Expert Gaurav Chaudhary Warns

In the digital age, cybercriminals are constantly inventing new ways to deceive people, and one of the most widespread traps today is the fake lottery scam. A single message claiming that you have won a jackpot can make anyone excited for a moment — but this same message has left thousands penniless. In a recent awareness video released by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), popular tech creator Gaurav Chaudhary, widely known as Technical Guruji, revealed how he narrowly escaped becoming a victim of this dangerous fraud.

The video breaks down how fraudsters operate, how they manipulate emotions, and how these scams drain bank accounts step by step. It also serves as an urgent reminder that digital awareness is no longer optional — it is essential.

What Exactly Is a Lottery Scam?

A lottery scam is a common cyber fraud in which criminals send messages claiming that you have won a large prize such as a KBC jackpot, an international lottery, or a government award. As highlighted in the Cyber Dost video, Gaurav Chaudhary received a message stating, “You have won the lottery!” — a line designed to catch anyone off-guard.

These messages often use the names of well-known companies or organisations to appear genuine. The entire aim is to build excitement and trust so the victim doesn't question how or why their name appeared in a lottery they never participated in.

How the Scam Works: Step-by-Step Breakdown

The trap usually begins with an anonymous message or email. Fraudsters congratulate the target and claim their name has been selected in a random draw. Once the victim shows interest, the scam escalates.

1. Demand for ‘Processing Fees’

Scammers insist that to receive the prize, the winner must first pay a “processing fee,” “tax,” or “verification charge.”
Technical Guruji revealed that he too was sent fake documents to make the message look authentic.

2. Use of WhatsApp, Email, and Fake Links

Links sent through WhatsApp or email may install malware or steal personal data. Once an initial amount is paid, the scammers keep demanding more, citing different reasons — courier charges, legal fees, or clearance certificates.

3. Continuous Pressure

Cyber experts noted that this cycle continues until the victim’s bank account is completely drained. Most of these fraudsters use international numbers or encrypted apps, making it difficult to trace them.

How to Protect Yourself From Lottery Scams

Staying safe is easy if you follow basic precautions:

• Never trust messages about winning lotteries you never entered.

• Never pay any processing or verification charge. Legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay money.

• Avoid clicking on unknown links — they may contain viruses or phishing traps.

• Enable spam filters and two-factor authentication on your devices.

• Verify any suspicious message with someone you trust.

• Follow cyber safety advisories from Cyber Dost and other official agencies.

Technical Guruji emphasises that prevention is the best defence — scammers succeed only when people respond emotionally rather than logically.

What To Do If You Have Already Been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to such a scam, quick action can make a difference:

1. Call the National Cyber Helpline: 1930 immediately.

2. File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

3. Inform your bank so they can block suspicious transactions.

4. Save all evidence — messages, screenshots, call records — and share them with the authorities.

5. Report the incident to your nearest police station.

Many victims recover money when they act quickly, so prompt reporting is crucial.

Lottery scams continue to evolve, but awareness and caution remain the strongest weapons against them. The experience shared by Gaurav Chaudhary in the Cyber Dost video is a powerful reminder that even well-informed individuals can be targeted — and that staying alert is essential in today’s digital world.