South Africans are being urged to stay alert as fraudsters use fake lottery ‘wins’ to trick victims into handing over their money.

The latest scams often begin with an exciting message claiming you’ve won a cash prize, even if you never entered a lottery draw.

What follows is a request for an upfront payment to “release” your winnings – a clear sign that it’s a scam.

How the scam works

Cybersecurity experts have identified a growing number of fraudulent Facebook Live streams and WhatsApp groups designed to lure unsuspecting victims.

On Facebook, scammers host fake “lucky draw” livestreams where viewers are told they have won after placing a bogus “bet”.

Victims are then instructed to pay a release fee via EFT or QR code before their prize can supposedly be paid out.

Similar tactics are used in private WhatsApp groups, where fake winners post screenshots and testimonials over several days to build credibility.

Once trust has been established, members are told they have won but must first pay an administration or processing fee.

The money is sent, but the promised prize never arrives.

The biggest red flag

The most important rule is simple: no legitimate lottery operator will ever ask winners to pay money upfront to claim a prize.

Whether it’s a processing fee, tax, administration charge or release payment, any request for money before receiving your winnings is a clear indication that you are dealing with scammers.

If you receive one of these messages, do not send money or share personal or banking information.

What to do if you’ve been targeted

Anyone who has fallen victim to one of these scams should report the incident to the South African Police Service and the National Cybersecurity Hub as soon as possible.

Victims should also report the fraudulent Facebook page, livestream or WhatsApp group to the relevant platform to help prevent others from being targeted.

If a message claims you’ve won the Lotto but asks you to pay first, it’s not a prize – it’s a scam.

Has anyone tried this on you or someone you know?

Tell us in the comments below, Mzansi …