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Lottery scams are one of the most common forms of internet fraud in South Africa.
These scams trick individuals into believing they have won a lottery or prize,
usually requiring personal information or payment of fees to claim the winnings.
MODUS OPERANDI:
Unexpected notifications are obvious red flags.
Victims receive emails, SMS, or phone calls claiming they have won a prize in a lottery they did not enter.
Scammers often use recognisable names like "Powerball," "Lotto," or fake international lotteries.
Scammers ask for sensitive information such as ID numbers, banking details, or passport copies, often for "verification."
Victims are asked to pay "processing fees," "taxes," or "administrative charges" to release their winnings.
Fraudsters create fake lottery certificates, receipts, or websites to appear legitimate.
Scammers insist on immediate action, claiming the prize will be forfeited if fees are not paid quickly.
They create excitement and urgency to cloud judgment.
Emails and documents look official, often with logos of well-known lottery organisations.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
Legitimate lotteries do not notify winners by email or SMS.
You must enter a lottery to win, and winnings do not require upfront payments.
Verify authenticity by contacting the official lottery organisation directly to confirm the legitimacy of any winning claims.
Be wary of unsolicited messages and ignore emails, SMS, or calls claiming you have won a lottery you did not enter.
Never share personal, financial, or banking details with unknown sources.
Legitimate lottery organisations deduct taxes or fees from winnings; they never ask for upfront payments.
Other red flags include generic greetings like "Dear Winner", poor grammar, incorrect spelling in communications as well as requests to keep the prize confidential.
Use secure communication channels and verify emails and SMS messages by checking sender details.
Use official websites to confirm their legitimacy.
If you realise that you have been targeted, never respond.
Ignore messages and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments.
Always report the scam and notify authorities such as:
South African Police Service (SAPS) National Cybersecurity Hub Scamwatch South Africa.
Warn others and share your experience to raise awareness and protect others.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and others from lottery scams in South Africa.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
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