IPL 2025 sparks new wave of online scams: Report – financialexpress.com

As the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) captivates cricket fans across the country, cybercriminals are exploiting the tournament’s massive popularity to defraud unsuspecting users online. A report by global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed a sharp rise in IPL-related scams designed to steal personal and financial information.
Among the key threats identified in the report is the proliferation of fake ticketing websites. These websites are crafted to closely mimic official IPL ticket portals, complete with logos, branding, and professional design. Fans looking to purchase match tickets are tricked into entering their card details, only to find that no tickets are delivered and refunds are unavailable.
“With high demand for tickets to marquee IPL matches, scammers are using fake platforms to lure users and siphon off their money,” the report stated. Another scam flagged involves fraudulent streaming websites. These pages claim to offer free live streams of IPL matches but instead redirect users to phishing websites or pages embedded with malware. In some cases, users are prompted to enter personal information or unknowingly subscribe to non-existent services.
Kaspersky also uncovered a widespread scam circulating on WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. In this scheme, users are promised free IPL tickets in exchange for their phone numbers. They are then instructed to forward the promotional message to contacts or groups to proceed. The report notes that such scams are primarily aimed at harvesting personal data for resale on illicit online markets or launching future phishing attacks. “Events like IPL 2025 are prime opportunities for cybercriminals, who exploit fan enthusiasm through deceptive schemes. With AI now being used to craft highly convincing scams, the threat landscape is more complex than ever,” Purshottam Bhatia, Head of Consumer Business for India, Kaspersky, said. 
According to Kaspersky, phishing scams increased by 26% globally in 2024 compared to the previous year, and the trend is expected to continue into 2025. The report urges internet users to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and refrain from sharing personal details on unverified platforms. Authorities and cybersecurity experts are also advising the public to purchase IPL tickets only from official sources and to steer clear of dubious streaming services.
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