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Since 20 May 2026, at least 33 cases of lucky draw scams on Facebook Live have been reported, with total losses amounting to at least $60,000. Victims are lured into buying scratch cards or lottery tickets through livestreams, told they have won a large cash prize, and then tricked into paying "admin fees" to claim winnings that never existed. By the time victims realise the truth, the scammers have vanished and the money is gone.

How to recognise such scams:

This scam preys on the excitement of winning. Once you've paid in, the demands keep coming. Be alert to the following:

Step 1: You see a livestream promoting a lucky draw. Scammers advertise scratch cards or lottery tickets that promise cash prizes. The livestream may look professional, with hosts encouraging viewers to take part.

Step 2: You buy a scratch card or lottery ticket. The initial purchase is small, making it feel low-risk.

Step 3: You are told you have won a large cash prize. The scammers contact you with the "good news" to build excitement and trust.

Step 4: You are asked to pay "admin fees" to claim your prize. Payment is typically requested via a PayNow QR code linked to a Liquidpay account. Each payment leads to another, with new fees appearing each time.

Step 5: The winnings never arrive. Eventually, the scammers stop responding, and you realise the prize never existed.

🚩 Legitimate lucky draws and lotteries will never ask you to pay fees to claim your winnings. If you are asked to pay to receive a prize, it is a scam.

Tips to protect yourself:

• Do not pay to claim a prize. No legitimate organiser will ask you to transfer money to receive winnings.

• Be sceptical of lucky draws and giveaways on social media. Treat any unsolicited "you've won" message with caution.

• Never transfer money to unknown persons. Verify who you are paying before sending anything.

• Set transaction limits on your internet banking and activate the Money Lock feature to protect your savings from unauthorised transfers.

• Download the ScamShield app. Use it to block scam calls, filter scam SMSes, and verify suspicious numbers and links.

• If you have already transferred money or shared your banking details, file a police report immediately at https://www.police.gov.sg/E-Services/Lodge-Police-Report. The sooner you report, the higher the chance of recovering your money.

For more information on scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Screenshots of Facebook Live and conversations between scammers and victims relating to the “lucky draw”