Hyderabad Police have blocked over 600 betting-related links in the past month as IPL 2026 betting scams surge across social media. Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar revealed on April 7 that the Hyderabad Cybercrime Department has taken down 494 paid advertisements and 129 social media profiles involved in promoting illegal betting under the guise of “IPL match predictions.”
Fans have been urged to report suspicious activity by calling 1930 or using the official cybercrime portal.
How Are Scammers Targeting IPL Fans?
The method is simple but effective. Fraudsters post fake match predictions on social media, claiming they can accurately predict toss results and match winners. These posts attract cricket fans who are already caught up in IPL fever.
Once users engage with these pages, scammers push them towards subscribing to paid Telegram or WhatsApp channels. From there, the goal is straightforward: lure them into illegal betting activities where they inevitably lose money.
Sajjanar pointed out that several social media influencers and pages are deliberately spreading this deceptive content for financial gain. Many of these accounts look professional and trustworthy at first glance, which makes it harder for casual users to spot the fraud.
What Action Has Hyderabad Cybercrime Taken?
The numbers speak for themselves. In just one month since IPL 2026 started, authorities have:
- Blocked 494 paid advertisements promoting betting
- Taken down 129 social media profiles linked to scam operations
- Identified and flagged influencers endorsing fraudulent schemes
That’s over 623 total links disrupted in roughly 30 days. Officials confirmed that strict legal action will follow against anyone running or endorsing these operations.
How Can Fans Protect Themselves?
Sajjanar’s advice is simple. If someone online claims they can predict IPL outcomes, they’re lying to take your money. No app, no Telegram channel, and no influencer can guarantee match results.
Anyone who encounters suspicious betting promotions or falls victim to cyber fraud should dial 1930 immediately. Complaints can also be filed through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
Is This Part of a Bigger Crackdown?
Yes. This isn’t a standalone effort. Hyderabad Police have been running an aggressive anti-betting campaign throughout the IPL season.
On March 28, the day IPL 2026 kicked off, Sajjanar issued his first public warning against betting apps. Just three days later, Adilabad police arrested 10 people for betting on IPL matches in Echoda mandal.
Telangana banned online betting apps back in 2017, but the platforms keep evolving. Fraudsters now operate through international servers, making enforcement harder. Still, the 600+ takedowns in one month show that Hyderabad Police aren’t slowing down.
The message from Sajjanar remains consistent throughout the season: watch cricket, cheer for your team, and keep your money away from anyone promising “guaranteed” IPL predictions.
