Messages claiming that you have won Rs. 10 lakh without participating in any contest are part of a growing telecom scam targeting mobile users across India. Authorities are warning users to treat such messages as fraudulent attempts designed to steal personal and financial information by creating urgency and excitement.
What is the ‘You won Rs. 10 lakh’ telecom scam
The scam typically begins with an SMS, WhatsApp message, or automated call informing the recipient that they have won a large cash prize, often Rs. 10 lakh. The message may claim the reward is linked to a telecom offer, lucky draw, or customer anniversary benefit. In most cases, the user is told that no action was required to win, which is meant to lower suspicion.
Once the user responds or clicks on a shared link, scammers ask for personal details such as Aadhaar number, PAN details, bank account information, or OTPs. In some cases, victims are asked to pay a small “processing fee” or “tax” to release the prize money.
How scammers use urgency and fear
Telecom scammers rely heavily on psychological pressure. Messages often include warnings that the prize will expire within hours or that the account will be blocked if verification is not completed immediately. This urgency pushes users to act without verifying the source.
Scammers may also impersonate government departments or telecom operators, using logos, official-sounding language, and fake customer care numbers to appear legitimate.
Why this scam is spreading rapidly
The increasing use of mobile numbers for banking, UPI payments, and digital services has made telecom-based fraud more effective. Fraudsters exploit publicly available data leaks and random number generation to reach thousands of users at once. Since the scam does not require technical hacking, it is easy to replicate and scale.
Government agencies have noted that such scams thrive on excitement rather than technical deception, making even cautious users vulnerable.
How to protect yourself from such telecom scams
Users should remember that legitimate rewards are never given without prior participation. Any message claiming a cash prize without context should be treated as suspicious. Do not click on unknown links, share personal details, or forward OTPs under any circumstance.
If you receive such a message, report it to your telecom operator or cybercrime authorities. Staying calm, verifying information through official channels, and avoiding quick reactions remain the most effective ways to stay safe from telecom scams.
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