· Cyber Crime · 2 min read
25 Lakh IPL Fans Looted: How to Stay Safe From UPI Scams
Over 25 lakh IPL fans fall victim to UPI fraud every year. Learn the tricks fraudsters use during betting season, the red flags you must watch for, and smart hacks to protect your savings from vanishing in one wrong click.

Cricket season in India is more than just a sport — it’s an emotion. But while millions of fans cheer for their favourite teams, scammers cheer for something else: your money. Every year, 25 lakh IPL fans reportedly fall prey to UPI frauds. One wrong click, one fake betting app, and your savings can vanish in seconds.
The truth is simple: as IPL betting hype grows, so do online scams. If you don’t take precautions, you may end up funding fraudsters instead of enjoying the match.
How IPL UPI Scams Work
Fraudsters take advantage of the IPL craze by creating fake betting apps, fantasy websites, and UPI payment requests. Here’s how they trick fans:
Fake Betting Sites: 99% of betting websites are designed only to loot money. They look real, but once you deposit funds, you’ll never see your money again.
UPI Payment Traps: Scammers send QR codes or payment links, claiming it’s for “betting entry.” One scan, and your money is gone.
Data Theft: Unsecured sites steal card details and bank information, leading to long-term fraud.
3 Hacks to Protect Your Money
If you want to enjoy IPL without risking your hard-earned money, follow these must-know hacks:
Use Only RBI-Verified Apps
Stick to RBI-approved platforms or genuine fantasy sports apps. If the app or website isn’t regulated, it’s unsafe.Enable Two-Factor Authentication on UPI
Turn on 2FA so that no one can transfer money without your explicit permission. This extra layer of security can save your savings.Browse Safely
If you ever visit betting-related sites, use private browsing to reduce tracking and avoid exposing sensitive data like your bank details.
Bonus Tip
If anyone sends you a UPI QR code or a direct payment request in the name of betting — ignore it immediately. That’s the oldest trick in the scammer’s book.
And if you do fall victim, act fast:
Call the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
Report online at cybercrime.gov.in.
Quick reporting increases the chance of recovering your money and stops scammers from targeting others.
Final Word
IPL is meant to be fun, not financially devastating. Enjoy the matches, cheer for your team, but remember: scammers are waiting for you to let your guard down.
📌 IPL ka maza lo, par apne paise bachao! Because one careless click can make your entire savings udd in seconds. Stay alert, stay safe, and let cricket be about the game — not about losing money.