Prize Notification Scams in Pakistan: How to Spot and Avoid Them

"Congratulations! You've won a brand new car!" "You've been selected for a cash prize of Rs. 10,000,000!" Messages like these can be exciting to receive, but in Pakistan, they're almost always the beginning of a scam. Prize notification scams are among the most common phone scams in the country, tricking thousands of people each year into sending money to fraudsters.

How Prize Notification Scams Work

Prize notification scams follow a predictable pattern. First, you receive a call, SMS, or WhatsApp message claiming you've won something valuable—often a car, a large sum of money, or an expensive electronic device. The scammer creates excitement and urgency, making it seem like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Then comes the catch: before you can claim your "prize," you need to pay a fee. This might be called a "processing fee," "tax payment," "customs clearance," or "verification charge." The amount requested is usually small compared to the supposed prize value, making it seem reasonable.

Once you send the initial payment, the scammer will find reasons to request more money, claiming additional fees or complications. This continues until you realize it's a scam or run out of money to send.

Common Types of Prize Scams in Pakistan

1. Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Scams

Scammers call claiming you've been selected for a special grant or payment through the BISP. They ask for a small fee to "process" your application or "verify" your identity.

2. Fake Lottery Scams

You receive a message saying you've won an international lottery, often claiming to be from companies like Emirates, Etisalat, or international organizations. The scammer will ask for a fee to transfer the winnings to your account.

3. Car Prize Scams

These scams claim you've won a car in a draw organized by a well-known company like Toyota, Honda, or Suzuki. The scammer will ask for "registration fees" or "delivery charges" to release the vehicle.

4. Mobile Company Promotions

Scammers pretend to be from Jazz, Telenor, Zong, or Ufone, claiming you've won a prize in a special promotion. They ask for a small payment to "activate" your prize.

5. Government Relief Fund Scams

Especially common during crises like floods or the COVID-19 pandemic, these scams claim you're eligible for government relief funds but need to pay a small fee to access them.

Real-Life Examples from Pakistan

In 2022, a resident of Lahore lost Rs. 150,000 to scammers who convinced him he had won a car in a company promotion. After paying multiple "processing fees," he realized it was a scam when they kept asking for more money.

Another common scenario involves scammers calling elderly people claiming they've won a prize in a television game show. The scammers often mention popular TV channels like Geo or ARY to seem legitimate, then ask for "verification fees" to process the prize.

How to Protect Yourself

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

If you've already sent money to a prize scammer, take these steps immediately:

• Contact your bank or money transfer service to try to stop the payment
• Report the scam to the FIA Cyber Crime Wing at 9911 or through their website
• Report the number on Frady to warn others
• Gather all evidence including messages, call logs, and payment receipts
• Change any passwords or PINs if you shared them with the scammer

Conclusion

Prize notification scams continue to be successful because they exploit our natural excitement about winning something valuable. By understanding how these scams work and following the prevention tips outlined above, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim.

Remember: if an offer sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Always verify before sending money or sharing personal information, and use resources like Frady to check suspicious phone numbers.