Gifhorn: Police Warn of New Scam Involving Fake Lottery and Prize Draw Contracts
Fake lottery scam drains victims' accounts with intimidation tactics
Authorities are alerting the public to a fresh wave of fraud in which scammers pose as lottery or prize draw representatives to swindle victims out of money and personal data. According to a police statement, the fraudsters pressure targets over the phone into making payments or disclosing sensitive information.
The warning follows the case of a 25-year-old woman who, in February, received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed her email address had been used to play the lottery and that she could avoid an annual charge of €1,250 by signing up for a monthly €96 subscription. Under duress, the woman provided her IBAN and verbally agreed to the supposed contract terms. Days later, she received documents purporting to confirm the agreement—and noticed unauthorized withdrawals from her account. She then filed a report with police.
Police Share Prevention Tips
Officers describe the scheme as a classic scam in which perpetrators falsely claim victims have an existing contract or previously entered a prize draw. The goal is to make targets believe they owe money, then offer a seemingly cheaper "solution." In reality, the scammers aim to intimidate victims into handing over personal details or making payments.
Anyone who has already disclosed personal or banking information over the phone should act immediately: check accounts for unauthorized transactions, contact their bank if necessary, and report the incident to police. Authorities advise hanging up on suspicious callers and never sharing personal data.
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