Congratulations sir, your family has won free lunch and movie tickets, know the dark truth behind this call:

News India Live, Digital Desk: You and I often go to shopping malls or markets on weekends. There are some boys and girls standing at the entry gate or outside a store, who have a form in their hands. He lovingly stops you and says – “Sir/Ma’am, a lucky draw is going on, just fill the name and number, no money will be charged.”

We wonder, what goes into the filling? If luck shines then it’s okay, otherwise what will happen? And this is where we make the biggest mistake.

Such news are coming from many cities of Uttar Pradesh, which show how a ‘free form’ has become a means of looting people’s hard-earned money.

How does this game start? (The Modus Operandi)
A few days after filling the form, you get a call. The caller speaks in a very professional manner – “Sir, did you fill that coupon, right? You have been selected as the winner. You get a free dinner and movie tickets with your family.”
Anyone will be happy to hear this. But, the condition is that you have to come to a hotel or an office to collect your reward.

This is how they trap you
When you reach there happily with your family, you are shocked to see the atmosphere there. Music is playing there, many other families are sitting there. You are made to sit and then the ‘mind games’ begin.

1. Getting the hang of things: First they lure you with gifts.
2. Holiday Package: Then gradually they try to sell you an expensive ‘Holiday Membership Scam’ of Rs 1-2 lakh.
3. To create pressure: He says, “Sir, this offer is only for today. Sign it now.”
4. Hidden expenses: Many times people give a few thousand rupees in the name of ‘processing fee’ in the name of free gift, which they never get back.

What is the reality?
The reality is that no company wants to give you a free lunch. This is just a way to invite you there (Marketing Trap). Many such cases have come to light in UP where people got defrauded of Rs 40-50 thousand. The holiday packages sold to them turned out to be of no use and they were handed useless coupons in the name of free movie tickets.

What do we do now? (Expert Advice)
Police and cyber experts have clear advice –

• Do not give your mobile number to any stranger in crowded places.
• There is no such thing as a “free offer”. If someone is calling you for free, then understand that you are not a customer but a ‘victim’.
• If you receive such a call, refuse it clearly or block the number.

Remember, your data (personal data) is your biggest asset, do not distribute it on the road like this. Be alert yourself and protect your family too.