In short
A social/video-platform post promises free money, products or prizes The objective is typically to take payment/crypto or steal account/payment information.
What it is
The giveaway is made to look promotional or endorsed and may pressure users to act quickly. The victim is then pushed to send money/crypto, provide credentials or follow a link to claim the prize.
How it starts
A social/video-platform post promises free money, products or prizes.
What they tell you
The giveaway is made to look promotional or endorsed and may pressure users to act quickly
What they want you to do
Send money/crypto, provide credentials or follow a link to claim the prize
How you lose money
take payment/crypto or steal account/payment information
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
greed | FOMO | urgency | social proof | fake promotion | phishing
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Do not pay fees, taxes or clearance charges to receive an unsolicited prize, inheritance or large fund; verify through an independent official channel.
If it already happened
Contact the bank/payment provider immediately if money moved; report financial cyber fraud promptly via 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in; preserve messages, transaction IDs, phone numbers and URLs.