Ludwigshafen man loses over 24,000 euros to lottery scam

A 56-year-old man in Ludwigshafen, Germany, has lost over 24,000 euros to a lottery scam. The victim reported being contacted by phone and informed that he had won 39,000 euros.

To claim the prize, the man was initially asked to pay a 2,350-euro deposit. Following this, unidentified perpetrators used WhatsApp and telephone calls to demand seven additional payments. The total financial loss incurred by the victim amounted to 24,250 euros.

Authorities warn that scammers often use phone calls, emails, or social media to claim victims have won high-value prizes, such as cash or luxury vehicles, but insist that a “processing fee” must be paid first. Perpetrators frequently instruct victims to purchase prepaid cards, such as Ukash or Paysafecard, to facilitate untraceable transfers.