IPL Enthusiasts Targeted by Online Scams; Advisory Issued by Rajasthan Police
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Synopsis
As the IPL excitement soars, Rajasthan Police warns fans about cyber frauds. Scammers are using fake websites and offers to deceive fans. Stay cautious and buy tickets through authorized sources.
Key Takeaways
- Beware of fake ticketing websites and scams.
- Only purchase tickets from authorized sources.
- Avoid sharing personal and financial information online.
- Report suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
- Use official communication channels for any queries.
Jaipur, April 9 (NationPress) With the intensity surrounding the current Indian Premier League (IPL) escalating, cybercriminals are exploiting this excitement to target unsuspecting fans.
An official from the Rajasthan Police stated that numerous instances of online fraud have emerged, leading the Cyber Crime Branch to issue a comprehensive advisory urging individuals to remain vigilant and purchase tickets solely through authorized channels.
Director General of Cyber Crime, Hemant Priyadarshi, cautioned that the 18th season of IPL has provided scammers a fresh avenue to capitalize on the tournament’s popularity.
He mentioned that by setting up fraudulent websites and scam pages that imitate genuine ticketing services, these criminals are enticing fans with seemingly appealing offers, including discounted tickets, entries into fantasy leagues, and claims of prizes.
Victims often find themselves sharing personal and financial information, leading to significant monetary losses and the issuance of fake or invalid tickets.
“Many reported cases involved individuals receiving fraudulent links via email, WhatsApp, and social media, promoting discounted tickets or IPL-related prizes,” he explained.
He further noted that some scammers have disseminated fake helpline numbers; when fans reach out for booking help, they are prompted to provide their bank or UPI details, which scammers then exploit to withdraw funds from their accounts.
“Phishing emails and messages that promise betting insights or access to exclusive match deals are being widely circulated,” he added.
To combat these tactics, the Rajasthan Police encourages IPL enthusiasts to engage in safe online practices.
DG Priyadarshi stressed the necessity of utilizing only official websites and authorized platforms for purchasing tickets and engaging in IPL-related activities.
He advised the public to avoid clicking on unknown links, downloading files from unreliable sources, or succumbing to offers that seem too good to be true.
He cautioned that people should be particularly careful about sharing sensitive data like bank account numbers, OTPs, or UPI credentials online.
“In the event of encountering suspicious links, websites, or scams, or if someone becomes a victim of online fraud, the public is encouraged to promptly report the incident,” he continued.
Reports can be made by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930, visiting the official cybercrime reporting portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in, or contacting the nearest police station or cyber police unit.
“The police are closely monitoring the situation and actively striving to track down the cybercriminals targeting cricket fans during this festive cricket season,” he concluded.
