Accompanying the card was a letter and contact information. Upon scratching the card, she discovered she had won Rs 15.51 lakh. Following instructions in the letter, she contacted the provided number. The individual, on the other end requested her ID proofs, informing her that due to the illegality of lotteries and lucky draws in Karnataka, she would not receive 4 percent of the lottery amount and would also need to pay 30 percent tax to claim the rest.
 Consequently, she transferred Rs 18 lakh to clear the required documentation and to collect her winnings. However, later she realized that she had been scammed.

Here's what you need to know about scratch card scams

What is a scratch card scam?

A scratch card scam involves tricking someone into believing they've won a prize on a fake or misleading scratch card. Scammers might use various tactics, including:

* Fake scratch cards: These cards may look legitimate but are rigged to always show a "winning" symbol. The scammer then convinces the victim to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim their prize, which never materialises.

* Unexpected scratch cards: You might receive a scratch card in the mail or attached to another product, promising a big win. Similar to fake scratch cards, these are often traps to steal your money or information.

* Advance-fee scams: Scammers might contact you about a "winning" scratch card but require an upfront payment to cover "processing fees" or taxes before you can claim your prize.