Car Lottery Scam: Retired BSP Employee Duped of ₹1 Crore

Car lottery scam traps retired BSP employee in Dhamtari; fraudsters extract money over three years through fake tax and investment claims

Major Fraud Reported

A car lottery scam has surfaced in Dhamtari, where a 66-year-old retired BSP employee was allegedly duped of nearly ₹1 crore by unidentified cyber fraudsters. The victim was lured with the promise of winning a car worth ₹15 lakh and was gradually coerced into transferring money over a span of three years.

Victim’s Ordeal

According to officials, the victim, identified as Kamlesh Thakur, a resident of a village under the Bhakhara police station limits, fell prey to the scam after ordering Ayurvedic medicines online in July 2022. Soon after the purchase, he began receiving calls from unknown numbers, initiating a chain of fraudulent interactions.

Lure of Lottery

Fraudsters reportedly informed the victim that he had won a car in a lottery. They claimed the vehicle would be delivered after payment of certain taxes and processing fees. When the victim hesitated, he was told that opting out of the car would still allow him to earn high returns if he deposited additional funds.

Payments in Installments

Officials said the accused first demanded a “processing fee” and later continued to extract money under various pretexts, including taxes and investment benefits. Over time, the victim transferred approximately ₹80 lakh through online and bank transactions, details of which he submitted to the police. The total estimated loss is believed to be close to ₹1 crore.

Three-Year Scam Trail

Preliminary investigation indicates that the fraud occurred between 2022 and 2025. The victim continued making payments in multiple instalments, allegedly under pressure and false assurances of returns. The scam only came to light when family members were informed, prompting a formal complaint.

Police Investigation On

Police in Dhamtari have registered a case against unknown individuals and initiated an investigation. Officials said efforts are underway to trace the accused through bank records and digital transaction trails. Authorities also suspect a wider network involved in similar online frauds.

Public Advisory Issued

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious against such schemes, especially those involving lottery winnings or high-return investments. Officials emphasised that legitimate lotteries do not demand upfront payments and advised people to verify any financial claims before transferring money.

Rising Cyber Frauds

This case highlights the growing trend of cyber frauds targeting elderly individuals across India. Similar scams involving fake lotteries, investment schemes, and online purchases have been reported in multiple regions, raising concerns over digital safety and awareness.

What Lies Ahead

Investigators are expected to coordinate with cybercrime units and financial institutions to track the suspects. Authorities have reiterated the need for stricter vigilance and public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents. The car lottery scam remains under probe, with officials hoping to recover part of the defrauded amount.