A 25-year-old software professional from Mahadevapura in Bengaluru was allegedly duped of ₹1.46 lakh while attempting to purchase Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets, after falling victim to an online scam.
The victim, a resident of B Narayanapura, lodged a complaint with local police stating that the accused posed as a senior supervisor at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to gain his trust.
How the scam unfolded
The fraud began when the victim came across an Instagram post advertising IPL tickets. The accused lured him with promises of confirmed tickets along with added perks such as food coupons and VIP benefits.
Initially, the victim agreed to buy two tickets priced at ₹3,700 each. However, the scammer continued to demand additional payments under various pretexts, including:
- Refundable security deposits
- Extra ID cards for friends
- Meal coupons and premium access
Trusting the claims, the victim made multiple transactions—using both his own bank account and his mother’s account after hitting his transaction limits—eventually transferring around ₹1.46 lakh.
Fake confirmation and disappearance
To appear credible, the accused allegedly sent a fake email confirmation and instructed the victim to collect the tickets near Stadium Gate 10, assuring delivery within minutes.
Despite repeated follow-ups, the tickets were never delivered. Instead, the fraudster continued to demand more money before eventually becoming unreachable.
Police action and warning
Realising he had been cheated, the victim contacted the cyber control room and filed a formal complaint. Authorities have since begun tracing the bank accounts used in the fraud and are investigating the case.
Police have issued a public advisory urging fans to:
- Purchase tickets only through official websites or authorised apps
- Avoid deals shared on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp
- Verify seller credentials before making payments
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Growing trend during major events
The incident highlights a rising trend of online scams during high-demand events like the IPL, where fraudsters exploit fan excitement and urgency with fake offers and exclusive deals.
It serves as a stark reminder to remain cautious and rely only on verified sources when booking tickets.
