”You’ve Won a Prize!” - The Rise of Lucky Draw Scams in Singapore

If you spend any time on Facebook or TikTok Live, you’ve probably seen them hosts waving scratch cards, giving out “sure win” prizes, and flashing QR codes to join their “exclusive lucky draw.” Comments explode with messages like “I won $300!” and “So exciting!”

It looks lively, festive, and innocent.

But behind these colourful streams hides one of Singapore’s most rapidly growing fraud trends: the lucky draw scam.

 

What Exactly Is a Lucky Draw Scam?

Lucky draw scams happen when someone convinces you that you’ve won a prize. Maybe cash, a gadget, or even a new car. But to claim it, you must first pay a processing fee, delivery charge, or upgrade cost.

It’s psychological manipulation at its finest: scammers create excitement, urgency, and social proof, then strike while you’re distracted by the thought of winning.

Once the money’s sent, the “organiser” disappears. No prize, no refund, just regret.

These scams exploit a universal human instinct: hope.

The hope that luck is finally on our side.

 

How the Lottery Draw Scam Typically Unfolds

Most lucky draw scams follow a familiar playbook part marketing show, part psychological game:

• The Hook: You see a Facebook Live video or ad promoting a giveaway. Sometimes the host claims to represent a well known retailer or influencer.

• The Buy In: Viewers are told to “buy scratch cards” or “register” by transferring a small amount of money via PayNow or bank transfer.

• The Win: Moments later, the host announces your name on screen “Congratulations, you won!”

• The Twist: You’re asked to pay an upgrade fee (“to claim the top-tier prize”) or cover admin or tax charges.

• The Vanish: Once you send the final payment, communication stops. The host blocks you, and the Facebook page often disappears within hours.

• The entire setup is built to feel spontaneous and authentic, live comments, cheerful chatter, and even fake winners celebrating.

It’s an illusion carefully engineered for emotional momentum.

 

A Real World Snapshot

Lucky draw scams may sound like old-school tricks, but they’ve been modernised for the livestream era.

According to a Singapore Police Force (SPF) advisory issued in October 2025, more than 30 lucky draw scams were reported between August and October 2025, with total losses exceeding S$160,000.

Source: Singapore Police Force Advisory, 18 Oct 2025

Scammers hosted Facebook Live sessions posing as legitimate sellers. Victims were asked to buy “scratch cards” and later pressured into paying “upgrading fees” to claim bigger prizes.

An AsiaOne report highlighted how these hosts often impersonate established retail brands to appear credible and keep the chat buzzing with pre-planted “winners” who shout “Thank you host!” to build fake trust.

Source: AsiaOne, Oct 2025 — Over $160K Lost in E-Commerce and Lucky Draw Scams via Facebook Live

 

Why These Scams Work

1. Live Engagement Feels Real

Livestreams tap into social proof when hundreds of viewers appear to be joining, your guard drops.

2. Micro Payments Add Up

Scammers don’t ask for thousands upfront. It starts with $10 or $20, then grows through “add on fees.”

3. Fake Legitimacy

Some hosts borrow names like “SG Lucky Club” or “Official Lucky Draw SG” and use counterfeit logos from known retailers.

4. Emotional Triggers

Excitement, competition, and urgency (“only 5 minutes left to claim!”) make rational thinking fade fast.

 

Other Common Variations

Lucky draw scams evolve quickly. Here are a few emerging versions seen in Singapore:

1. “Sure Win Lottery” Text Messages

SMS or WhatsApp messages tell you you’ve won a Singapore Pools prize just “verify” your details and pay a processing fee.

2. Fake Social Media Contests

Instagram and TikTok pages impersonate local retailers, promising prizes for liking, sharing, or paying to “unlock entries.”

3. Charity Raffles and Festival Draws

During festive seasons like Chinese New Year or Deepavali, scammers pose as event organisers collecting “raffle donations” through PayNow.

4. Overseas Travel Prizes

Victims are told they’ve won travel vouchers from “Singapore Airlines Lucky Draw.” Fake booking websites then collect credit card details.

 

Victim Stories

One Singaporean homemaker shared on Reddit that she was “tagged” in a giveaway claiming to be from a major beauty brand. She paid $60 in “delivery fees” to claim her “make up hamper” and later found the brand’s official page had posted a scam alert.

Another victim, interviewed by AsiaOne, said:

“The live stream felt real, the host showed people winning on screen. It’s only when the page disappeared that I realised I’d been scammed.”

These stories highlight an uncomfortable truth: even cautious people get caught when scams mimic legitimate platforms.

 

How to Verify if a Lucky Draw Is Real

• Check the organiser’s profile. A verified Facebook Page or Instagram account should have consistent posts, website links, and contact details.

• Look for official announcement channels. Legitimate brands post contests only on their verified social media or websites. Never on random personal accounts.

• Search Scam.sg. Our database tracks reported business names, URLs, and scam aliases.

• Reverse search the images. Use Google Image to see if the giveaway posters are recycled from elsewhere.

• Watch for time pressure. Scammers often say “claim within 5 minutes” to short circuit your decision-making.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Stop contact immediately. Don’t send additional “release” or “refund” payments.

2. Gather evidence. Take screenshots of messages, payment receipts, and the host’s profile.

3. File a police report. Visit www.police.gov.sg or call 1800-255-0000.

4. Notify your bank. If you used PayNow or bank transfer, call your bank’s fraud hotline to attempt fund recovery.

5. Submit the case to Scam.SG. Your report could prevent others from falling victim.

 

The Psychology Behind “Winning”

Scammers exploit cognitive biases.

When you see others “winning,” your brain’s dopamine loop triggers optimism and lowers skepticism.

Behavioural finance experts call this the “illusion of control” believing that small actions like commenting or sharing can influence a random outcome. In reality, scammers rely on that illusion to make you transfer money voluntarily.

 

Building Scam Resilience Through Awareness

The best defence isn’t just technology. It’s community awareness.

Every time a victim speaks up or reports a case, more data helps law enforcement detect emerging patterns.

That’s why Scam.SG encourages Singaporeans to:

• Read weekly scam articles (like this one) for new modus operandi.

• Verify businesses through our Verified Badge System before transacting.

• Report suspicious pages to our Scam Tracker so others are warned.

• Share knowledge with friends and family. Especially older relatives who may trust social-media hosts more readily.

 

Final Thoughts

Lucky draw scams thrive because they combine entertainment with deception.

They’re not just stealing money. They're hijacking excitement, trust, and community interaction online.

The next time a live host says “You’re the lucky winner!”, take a breath, pause, and check.

A quick visit to Scam.SG to verify a business or report a suspicious page could be the most valuable action you take all day.

 

Because when it comes to luck online, the safest bet is to verify before you celebrate.