Bengaluru, May 21, 2025 – In a shocking incident of cyber fraud, a young aspiring cricketer’s family from Karnataka has lost over ₹24 lakh to online scammers who posed as Indian Premier League (IPL) selectors. The incident has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting dreams of young athletes and their families.
According to police sources, the victim, a 17-year-old cricket enthusiast from a small town in Karnataka, was contacted by individuals claiming to be official talent scouts for a popular IPL franchise. The fraudsters allegedly promised the boy a chance to attend a "special training camp" and assured him of a potential spot in the team for the upcoming IPL season.
How the Cyber Fraud Unfolded
The scammers initially reached out via social media, presenting forged identity cards and documents bearing the logos of IPL franchises and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). They invited the young cricketer for a “trial camp” and demanded various payments for registration, kit fees, fitness evaluation, travel, and accommodation—totaling more than ₹24 lakh over a period of two months.
The boy's family, trusting the offer and driven by the dream of seeing their son play professional cricket, made the payments in multiple installments through digital banking apps and UPI platforms.
It wasn’t until the family failed to receive the promised travel documents and final confirmation for the camp that suspicion arose. Upon contacting the actual IPL franchise, they were informed that no such recruitment drive or camp was being organized. The devastated family then approached the local cybercrime police station to lodge a complaint.
Police Launch Investigation
Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fraudsters operated from outside the state, and used a network of fake identities, burner phones, and untraceable payment gateways.
A senior police officer from Karnataka’s Cyber Crime Division stated, “This case highlights a dangerous new trend where fraudsters prey on young talents by exploiting their ambitions. We urge families to verify all such offers through official channels before making any financial commitments.”
Growing Cyber Threat in Sports Recruitment
With the IPL and other leagues becoming increasingly popular, there has been a surge in fake recruitment scams targeting young athletes. In recent years, several similar cases have been reported across India where cybercriminals used forged documents and social engineering to defraud families.
Cybersecurity experts warn that the blend of digital outreach and emotional manipulation makes these scams particularly hard to detect. They recommend increased awareness, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where families may not be equipped to verify the authenticity of such offers.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
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Verify all opportunities through official IPL franchise websites or BCCI announcements.
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Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts on social media.
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Report suspicious activity immediately to the Cyber Crime Cell (helpline 1930 or online at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal).
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Educate young athletes and families about common cyber scams targeting sports aspirants.
A Cautionary Tale for the Sports Community
This heartbreaking incident serves as a cautionary tale not just for cricket enthusiasts but for the entire sports community. The lure of fame and fortune through sports can make even the most cautious families vulnerable to sophisticated scams.
Authorities are now urging sports organizations and governing bodies to launch awareness campaigns and implement verification protocols to protect young talents from such fraudulent schemes.
As the investigation continues, the affected family hopes that their story will alert others and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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