The accused continued to demand additional payments under various pretexts, including refundable security deposits, extra ID cards for friends, and meal coupons
Digital Desk: A 25-year-old software professional from Mahadevapura in Bengaluru was allegedly duped of Rs1.46 lakh while attempting to purchase tickets for the Indian Premier League, after being cheated by a fraudster posing as a stadium official.
The victim, a resident of B Narayanapura, filed a complaint with Mahadevapura Police, stating that the accused had introduced himself as a senior supervisor at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
As per the complaint, the scam began when the victim came across an Instagram post advertising IPL ticket sales. The accused lured him with offers of match tickets along with added perks such as food coupons and “VIP benefits,” convincing him to proceed with the purchase.
Initially, the victim agreed to buy two tickets priced at Rs 3,700 each. However, the accused continued to demand additional payments under various pretexts, including refundable security deposits, extra ID cards for friends, and meal coupons.
Trusting the claims, the victim transferred money through multiple transactions using both his own bank account and his mother’s account after reaching his personal transaction limits. In total, he paid approximately Rs1.46 lakh.
To gain further trust, the accused allegedly sent a fake email confirmation and instructed the victim to collect the tickets near Gate 10 of the stadium, assuring him of immediate delivery. Despite repeated follow-ups, the fraudster neither delivered the tickets nor refunded the money and instead continued to demand additional payments.
Realising he had been cheated, the victim contacted the cyber control room and subsequently lodged a formal complaint at the Mahadevapura Police Station. Authorities have launched an investigation, examining the bank accounts used in the transactions and working to trace the accused.
Police have warned of a rise in scams during major events like the IPL, where fraudsters exploit platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to target fans with fake ticket offers and exclusive privileges. Officials have urged the public to purchase tickets only through authorised platforms, verify details before making payments, and report suspicious activities immediately.
The incident highlights the growing risk of digital fraud during high-demand events, where urgency and excitement often lead to lapses in caution.
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