Prize Notification Scams via UPI (India)
Scammers send fake KBC or lottery winner notifications to Indians and request UPI fee payments to release non-existent cash prizes.
Part of: Prize Notification Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Prize notification scams in India frequently impersonate well-known television quiz programmes or government lucky draws, exploiting the high recognition of these brands to make fake win announcements credible. The victim is directed to pay a 'TDS tax' or 'processing fee' via UPI before the prize can be transferred.
The UPI QR code or VPA provided routes to a personal account controlled by the scammer. Once the fee is paid, further demands follow, and no prize is ever delivered.
How this scam works on UPI
A victim receives a WhatsApp message with an official-looking certificate claiming they have won a large prize in a well-known quiz competition or government scheme lottery. A phone number is provided for the 'prize department.' When called, a convincing agent explains that TDS or processing fees must be cleared via UPI before the prize can be released.
The UPI request is structured to look official, sometimes including a business name designed to suggest government affiliation. After the first payment, new fee demands follow until the victim stops paying.
Some scammers spoof the caller ID of a network that airs the quiz show, adding apparent authenticity to the call.
Common red flags
- Win notification for a programme you did not register for
- TDS, GST, or processing fee required via UPI before prize can be paid
- Caller ID appears to show a TV channel or government number — these can be spoofed
- You are instructed to keep the win confidential
- Fee demands continue to grow with each payment
- Prize department contact only via WhatsApp, not through the show's official channels
How to protect yourself
- Know that real programme prize winnings are never released after upfront UPI fee payments
- Verify any prize claim by contacting the TV channel or organisation through their published, official contact details
- Never send UPI payments to unknown individuals to claim a prize
- Report scam calls to TRAI's Do Not Disturb mechanism and the Sanchar Saathi portal
- Alert family members who regularly watch quiz shows, as they are specifically targeted
- File a cybercrime complaint even if no money was lost to help authorities track patterns
How to report it
- File a cybercrime complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and report to local police
- Report the UPI ID to your bank and to NPCI's dispute mechanism
- Report the spoofed caller ID to TRAI
Frequently asked questions
How do real quiz show prizes get paid in India?
Genuine prize winnings from TV programmes are processed through official legal and financial channels. TDS deductions are handled by the production company and deducted before payment — winners never pay TDS out of pocket to a personal account via UPI before receiving their winnings.