Pusaram

Prizes, lotteries and loans that ask for a fee first

You are promised money or a loan, but first you must pay a fee.

How it works

  • You win a prize you never entered, are offered an inheritance, or are pre-approved for a loan with no checks.
  • Before you receive anything, you must pay for 'processing', 'insurance', 'tax' or 'clearance'.
  • After the first payment, new fees appear. The prize or loan never arrives.

Warning signs

  • Winning a contest you did not enter.
  • Loan approvals with no credit checks or documents.
  • Upfront fees to a personal account or by gift card.
  • Loan apps that ask for access to your contacts, photos or messages.

What to do

  • Genuine lenders deduct fees from the loan or disclose them in writing; they do not demand money to a personal account first.
  • Use only lenders registered with your financial regulator, and read the terms.
  • Do not install loan apps from links. Do not share your contacts or photos.

A made-up example of what you might hear

'Congratulations! You have won in our national draw. To release your prize, pay a small clearance charge today.'

If you already paid or shared a code

  • Call your bank or card issuer straight away and ask them to block the card, account or payment. Use the number on the card or the official website.
  • Change passwords for any account that may be affected, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-step verification.
  • Report it to the authorities (see the list below). Keep screenshots, phone numbers, account details, transaction IDs and times.

Where to report

Author and editorial reviewer: Prashant Nandkishor Maheshwari, 2026-10-18. Education only. Rules and reporting channels differ by country.