With the T-20 Cricket World Cup underway, an online betting network has resurfaced, using fake fantasy gaming platforms resembling ‘Dream11’ to lure users into placing wagers. Websites with similar logos and layouts are promoting betting on match outcomes, individual scores, wicket counts and even ball-by-ball events, raising concerns over financial fraud and data theft.
Investigations indicate that most of these links are being operated through foreign servers and circulated rapidly via social media, Telegram channels and WhatsApp groups. Users are initially shown small “wins” to build trust and are later encouraged to invest larger amounts. Once substantial money is deposited, withdrawal options are disabled or accounts are blocked.
Sources said several fraudulent platforms are posing as legitimate fantasy gaming apps and promising “multiple returns” to attract users. Names such as ‘Dream X Ambani’, ‘Dream11 Adani’, ‘Dream Cricket’ and ‘Dream Betting Website’ are being used to create confusion. The branding is designed to closely mimic well-known platforms so that users fail to distinguish between genuine and fake services.
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Similar rackets had surfaced during previous cricket tournaments. During the IPL, action in the Lanka area had led to the arrest of seven persons, while another crackdown in the Chetganj area in 2024 had also resulted in seven arrests. Investigators believe the betting ecosystem has now shifted almost entirely from physical locations to mobile-based and encrypted communication channels, making detection more difficult.
Cyber experts warn that these fake sites are not limited to betting operations but also harvest users’ banking details and KYC documents. The stolen data is later used for other cybercrimes. In many cases, mule bank accounts and digital wallets are used to quickly transfer funds across multiple layers, making transaction trails harder to trace.
Probe findings suggest an organised operational model. Fake social media profiles are created for promotion, Telegram channels circulate so-called “inside tips” and “fixed odds” before matches, and payment links are shared directly with users. Links are frequently changed to evade blocking measures.
Authorities have urged the public not to invest money on any app or website without verifying its official source. Claims of unusually high returns, use of unauthorised payment gateways, registration through unverified links and requests for sensitive KYC information are key indicators of cyber fraud. Users must also understand the legal distinction between authorised fantasy gaming and illegal betting.
A dedicated helpline — 9670705555 — has been issued for reporting online betting or suspicious gaming platforms. Parents have also been advised to monitor young users’ online activity, as mobile-based betting is witnessing a sharp rise among youth during major sporting events.
Monitoring of suspicious links has been intensified during the World Cup, and steps are being taken to block such platforms. Financial transactions linked to these operations are under scrutiny to identify individuals and networks involved.
Cyber units emphasise that awareness remains the strongest defence. Platforms that appear legitimate but promise quick profits should be treated with caution, as they often form part of organised fraud networks targeting unsuspecting users.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
