Thiruvananthapuram. A new online fraud threat has emerged around tickets for the upcoming one-day international between India and the West Indies. Kerala Police has warned cricket fans against fake ticket advertisements circulating on social media. According to police, cybercriminals are creating fake Instagram pages and posts claiming to offer match tickets at attractive prices and directing interested buyers to WhatsApp to make payments.
The first ODI between India and the West Indies is scheduled to be played on Sunday at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Taking advantage of the high demand for tickets, fraudsters have started circulating fake advertisements on social media. Cyber police have urged people not to book tickets through unknown social media accounts or WhatsApp numbers.
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According to police, the fraud begins with a fake ticket advertisement. Fraudsters create Instagram posts or pages claiming that tickets are available in limited numbers or at prices lower than the usual rates. People who respond to the advertisements are then moved to WhatsApp. They are subsequently asked to fill out a fake booking form through which the fraudsters collect personal details such as name, address, mobile number and email address.
After collecting the information, the fraudsters ask the customer to make an initial payment, usually a relatively small amount, in the name of reserving the ticket. Once the payment is made, the customer receives a fake order or ticket confirmation message designed to create the impression that the booking has been completed. The second stage of the fraud then begins.
Police said that after the initial payment, the fraudsters demand additional money under different pretexts, including GST, refundable charges, verification fees and processing fees. In several cases, victims are asked to make one payment after another. Fraudsters may also demand money to complete a transaction or release a supposedly pending refund.
When victims refuse to make further payments, they may also be threatened. The fraudsters allegedly tell them that the ticket will be cancelled and the money already deposited will not be refunded unless the additional payment is made. This is intended to pressure people who have already paid money into sending even more funds out of fear of losing their previous payment.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said such scams exploit urgency and trust. When demand for tickets to major sporting events is high, claims about limited availability and unusually low prices can be used to pressure buyers into making quick payments. Independent verification of the seller and payment method is therefore essential before purchasing any ticket online.
From a cybersecurity perspective, a major warning sign is a situation in which payment demands keep increasing after the initial booking. Repeated requests for money in the name of GST, verification, processing or refundable charges can indicate a potential scam. In a legitimate ticket transaction, the applicable price and payment terms should generally be clear before the purchase is completed.
Kerala Police has advised people not to blindly trust social media advertisements offering tickets for cricket or other sporting events. Fans have been asked to verify ticket availability, prices and booking procedures only through official platforms and announcements from organisers. People have also been advised against transferring money directly to private WhatsApp numbers provided through social media.
Police have further cautioned people not to share OTPs, UPI PINs, bank account information or card details with unknown individuals. If someone who has already received an initial payment begins demanding repeated additional amounts under the pretext of GST, verification, processing or refundable charges, it should be treated as a potential warning sign of fraud.
Anyone who comes across a fake ticket advertisement or becomes a victim of online financial fraud should report the matter to cybercrime authorities immediately. In India, cyber financial fraud can be reported by calling 1930. Police have stressed the importance of making a complaint without delay, as prompt reporting can improve the possibility of stopping or recovering the transaction amount and enabling further action.
Online ticket scams often emerge ahead of major cricket matches and other sporting events when demand for tickets increases. Fans should avoid making rushed payments to unknown accounts and should independently verify the official booking platform, organiser’s announcement, seller and payment process before purchasing a ticket. An attractive offer displayed on social media does not by itself establish that the tickets being offered are genuine.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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