TL;DR: IPL season runs roughly April–May, when cricket interest and betting-related traffic surge across India. Remember betting on these apps is illegal in most Indian states and offers no legal recourse if funds are lost, and never share banking OTPs with any app claiming to need them for 'winnings verification'.
IPL season runs roughly April–May, when cricket interest and betting-related traffic surge across India.
How the Scam Plays Out
Illegal betting apps and fantasy-sports clones advertise heavily on social media promising guaranteed winnings, collecting deposits through personal UPI IDs that are never paid out, while some apps harvest banking details under the guise of KYC.
How to Protect Yourself
Remember betting on these apps is illegal in most Indian states and offers no legal recourse if funds are lost, and never share banking OTPs with any app claiming to need them for 'winnings verification'.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Monsoon Insurance Claim Scams.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see New Year Gym and Subscription Scams (India).
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
IPL season runs roughly April–May, when cricket interest and betting-related traffic surge across India.
What tactics are used?
Illegal betting apps and fantasy-sports clones advertise heavily on social media promising guaranteed winnings, collecting deposits through personal UPI IDs that are never paid out, while some apps harvest banking details under the guise of KYC.
How can I protect myself?
Remember betting on these apps is illegal in most Indian states and offers no legal recourse if funds are lost, and never share banking OTPs with any app claiming to need them for 'winnings verification'.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.