Hyderabad scams lure IPL bettors with fake predictions
HYDERABAD: Fraudsters are targeting cricket fans with claims of predicting Indian Premier League (IPL) match results even before the toss, luring them into betting and causing heavy financial losses.
Social media reels promise match results before toss
Groups are actively promoting these claims on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube reels. They promise to reveal toss winners and match outcomes in advance, charging fees of up to ₹2,000. Details are shared through WhatsApp and Telegram groups.
They claim their predictions are “100 per cent accurate” and assure users of earning lakhs through betting. Many unsuspecting individuals are drawn by the promise of easy money.
Victims lose lakhs chasing assured betting profits
These groups also claim to predict session-wise outcomes, such as runs scored in specific overs. Bettors are encouraged to place wagers based on these predictions.
However, victims are losing large sums. Some have borrowed money, mortgaged assets, or fallen into debt. In extreme cases, financial distress has led to suicides.
Police struggle as cases rise across Telangana
Fraudsters claim they receive inside information from agencies that allegedly influence match outcomes. They say they pay ₹40,000 daily for such data and convince customers by sharing selective “accurate” predictions.
In reality, these predictions are based on data analysis, including player form, pitch conditions and past performance. Success rates remain uncertain, with accuracy estimated at only 60–70 per cent.
Between 2023 and February 2026, around 51 people in Telangana reportedly died by suicide after incurring losses from cricket betting. In one case, a man from Miyapur died by suicide after losing money. Another student reportedly lost ₹12.5 lakh and died in a hostel. A private employee who lost ₹6 lakh also ended his life.
Police have registered 1,496 cases between 2023 and early 2026, but many incidents remain unreported. Despite enforcement efforts, authorities have not been able to curb the spread of such betting scams.
Experts warn that cricket outcomes remain unpredictable until the final moment. Even a single run can change results, making betting highly risky.
Families and social groups are urging police to take stricter action against such fraud networks.
