The Cyber Crime Cell of Surat Police has busted an alleged international fake KBC lottery scam that reportedly cheated victims by promising massive cash prizes in the name of the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Investigators said the racket had suspected cross-border connections, with callers allegedly operating from Pakistan while financial transactions were routed through multiple Indian bank accounts.
According to police, the fraudsters allegedly contacted victims claiming they had won a large lottery amount under a fake KBC scheme. Victims were then pressured into transferring money under various pretexts including processing charges, GST payments, account activation fees, and clearance charges.
Victim Allegedly Duped of ₹13.51 Lakh in Fake Lottery Scam
Investigators said the case came to light after a complainant allegedly lost ₹13.51 lakh after being lured into the fake lottery scheme. The victim reportedly received calls and messages informing them that they had won a massive cash prize through a KBC lottery draw.
Police alleged that the scammers used forged documents, fake lottery certificates, and fabricated identity proofs to make the operation appear legitimate. Authorities said the accused continuously demanded additional payments while assuring the victim that the lottery amount would soon be released.
Cybercrime officials stated that the fraud network allegedly operated through mobile numbers, digital payment systems, and bank accounts opened using mule account holders.
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Pakistan-Based Callers and Interstate Financial Network Under Scanner
According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest that some of the calls linked to the scam originated from Pakistan-based operators while money collection activities were handled through an interstate network operating within India.
Police said the accused allegedly used multiple bank accounts and digital wallets to layer transactions and avoid detection. Investigators suspect the network relied on account suppliers and intermediaries to route fraudulent proceeds through different states before withdrawal.
Authorities are examining banking records, mobile devices, SIM cards, and digital communication logs recovered during the investigation to trace the broader financial network linked to the alleged scam.
Accused Arrested During Investigation
The Surat Cyber Crime Cell reportedly arrested accused persons from Assam during the course of the investigation. Officials believe additional suspects connected to the fraud syndicate may still be operating across multiple states.
Investigators are also probing whether the same network was involved in similar fake lottery scams targeting victims in other parts of India. Financial and digital forensic analysis is currently underway to identify the complete transaction trail and additional beneficiaries.
Police Warn Public Against Lottery and Prize Scams
Cybercrime officials urged citizens not to trust unsolicited lottery messages, prize announcements, or calls demanding advance payments for releasing winnings. Police advised people to verify such claims through official sources and avoid sharing banking details, OTPs, or identity documents with unknown callers.
Authorities stated that fake lottery scams continue to exploit public trust by impersonating well-known television shows, government schemes, and reputed organisations. Citizens have been encouraged to immediately report suspicious cyber fraud activity through the national cybercrime helpline and official reporting portals.
