A 43-year-old man from Badangpet was duped of ₹7.73 million after falling victim to a fake online lottery and gaming scam that originated from an advertisement on social media. The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police has registered a case.
According to the complaint, while browsing Facebook, the victim came across an ad for online games and lotteries and clicked on it. Within minutes, he received WhatsApp messages from unknown persons directing him to a website where he downloaded a mobile application called “Mega Kerala Lottery”. Convinced that the platform was genuine, he started buying online lottery tickets through the app within the last month.
As per the instructions of the accused, the victim transferred money to various accounts using Paytm and credit cards from the bank accounts of his family members and friends. Although small amounts were initially credited as prize money, his account was later frozen, after which he realized he had been scammed. The total amount lost in the fraud was ₹7,73,839.
The Cyber Crime Police has warned the public against advertisements on social media platforms that promise easy or guaranteed money through online lottery or games. Police said government or state lotteries do not promote schemes through Facebook ads, WhatsApp messages or unknown links and advised people not to download apps from unverified websites or transfer money to unknown accounts.
They also warned against sharing OTPs, PINs, card details or internet banking credentials, saying that the initial winnings displayed on such apps are often fake and are only meant to gain the trust of victims. Citizens have been advised to report suspected cyber fraud to the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Published – 19 Jan 2026 20:25 IST
