A growing number of South Africans are losing money to fake Lotto win messages: Image ChatGPTSouth Africans are being urged to stay alert as fraudsters use fake lottery ‘wins’ to trick victims into handing over their money. The latest scams often begin with an exciting message claiming you’ve won a cash prize, even if you never entered a lottery draw. What follows is a request for an upfront payment to “release” your winnings – a clear sign that it’s a scam. ADVERTISEMENTHow the scam worksCybersecurity experts have identified a growing number of and WhatsApp groups designed to lure unsuspecting victims. If a message claims you’ve won the Lotto but asks you to pay first, it’s not a prize – it’s a scam.