Mumbai Police Warns Citizens to Stay Alert Against ‘Lucky Draw’ Scams Ahead of Diwali

Mumbai:
As Diwali approaches and festive shopping picks up, Mumbai Police’s Cyber Crime Department has issued a warning urging citizens to remain cautious of fraudulent “lucky draw” schemes circulating online and through messages.

According to officials, fraudsters are sending out fake offers with titles such as “Online Shopping Lucky Draw Contest”, along with scratch cards and letters falsely claiming to be from popular e-commerce companies. These messages often congratulate recipients, claiming they have won huge prizes ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

However, the excitement quickly turns into a trap. The scammers ask victims to deposit a small amount as a “processing fee” or “tax” to claim their prize. Once the money is transferred, the fraudsters vanish, leaving victims cheated and helpless.

“The entire process is designed to deceive people,” a police official explained. “No genuine company will ask for money to claim a prize. We urge citizens not to fall for such tricks and to immediately inform the police if they receive such messages or calls.”

Mumbai Police has also appealed to the public to stay alert, verify the authenticity of offers before responding, and spread awareness among friends and family—especially the elderly and less tech-savvy individuals—who may be more vulnerable during the festive season.

Remember: Genuine lucky draws never demand money to release your prize. This Diwali, stay smart, stay alert, and celebrate safely.