IPL Scams on the Rise: Fans Fall Prey to Fake Ticketing & Fantasy League Traps

Excitement Turns Risky as Cybercriminals Exploit IPL Craze

With the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in full swing, the tournament has not only captured the hearts of cricket lovers across India but also the attention of cybercriminals. Leveraging the enthusiasm and high traffic around IPL-related websites, scammers have launched a wave of digital frauds aimed at IPL fans. The Rajasthan Police’s Cyber Crime Branch has now stepped in, issuing a high-alert advisory to the public.

From fake websites mimicking trusted ticketing platforms to fraudulent fantasy leagues offering attractive rewards, scammers are deploying a range of deceptive techniques to extract personal and financial information from unsuspecting users. The scams don’t stop at bogus offers — some fans are even receiving phishing messages with betting tips or fake prize claims.

This surge in cybercrime is not just alarming due to the volume of complaints, but also because of the evolving tactics. The cyber wing of the Rajasthan Police is urging fans to exercise digital vigilance and ensure all transactions are done via authorized IPL platforms.

How IPL Fans Are Getting Scammed – What You Need to Know

Targeting IPL Enthusiasts: Cybercriminals are preying on cricket fans during the peak IPL season by exploiting their eagerness for match tickets, fantasy leagues, and merchandise.
Fake Websites: Fraudsters have created websites that closely resemble official ticketing platforms. These sites offer discounted tickets, exclusive deals, or fantasy league access.
Deceptive Communication: Many fans receive WhatsApp messages, emails, or social media ads that lead to fake portals, where users are tricked into providing banking details.
Bogus Helplines: Scam helpline numbers circulate online, asking users for sensitive data under the guise of ticket booking support.
Phishing Schemes: Phishing messages offer tips on betting or exclusive content, often designed to steal personal and financial data.
Financial Losses: Victims report money being stolen through fake UPI requests or the purchase of invalid tickets.
Official Warning: Hemant Priyadarshi, DG of Cyber Crime in Rajasthan, warns the public to avoid unverified links and third-party services.
Recommended Safety Practices: Always use official IPL platforms or authorized partners to buy tickets or engage with fantasy leagues.
No Sharing Sensitive Info: Fans are urged to never disclose their UPI, OTPs, or bank credentials online.
Where to Report: Victims can report scams via the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or at cybercrime.gov.in.
Police Response: Authorities are monitoring these scams and actively working to identify and apprehend the culprits.

What Undercode Say:

The rise in IPL-related scams points to a larger issue — the expanding threat landscape in India’s digital ecosystem. Events like the IPL, which engage millions online, have become goldmines for cybercriminals. The fusion of excitement, urgency, and online activity creates the perfect conditions for fraud.

At Undercode, we view this as a textbook case of social engineering. Scammers are not just exploiting technology — they’re exploiting trust. By mimicking the branding and UX of official platforms, they weaponize familiarity. The bait is irresistible: cheaper tickets, fantasy winnings, or exclusive IPL content. And the hook? Fake portals and helpline numbers asking for UPI pins or OTPs.

The problem is compounded by India’s high mobile internet penetration and the growing user base of first-time online shoppers and sports app users. Many victims are unaware of the risks of phishing, have weak password hygiene, or are unfamiliar with verifying URLs. That’s exactly what makes these scams so successful.

More troubling is how these scams evolve. Earlier, cybercrime around cricket was largely limited to betting rackets. Now, it’s sophisticated — integrating AI-generated phishing texts, geo-targeted scams, and even deepfake customer service videos.

From a cybersecurity perspective, this underscores the need for:
– Widespread digital literacy campaigns, especially in regional languages.
– Stronger verification mechanisms on social media and messaging apps.
– Stricter monitoring of online ads promoting ticket sales.
– Quick takedown of phishing domains using AI-driven threat detection tools.
– Collaboration between IPL organizers and law enforcement to share scam alerts in real-time.

For users, the solution begins with skepticism:

If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If a website looks slightly “off” — double-check the URL.
If someone asks for your UPI PIN over the phone — hang up.

Undercode believes in building awareness at the intersection of tech and trust. Cricket fans deserve a seamless, safe digital experience. But until platforms and authorities can ensure that, staying alert is the best defense.

Fact Checker Results:

Verified reports from Rajasthan Police confirm multiple cases of IPL-related cyber fraud.
Scams involve fake websites, phishing messages, and fraudulent helpline numbers.
Advisory urging fans to stick to official platforms and report suspicious activity is legitimate.