Hyderabad Police takes down 184 profiles promoting betting, fake investment scams

Hyderabad Police’s Cyber Crime Unit identified and took down 184 social media profiles and 801 ads promoting betting and fake investment scams in April. Six FIRs were registered as part of intensified efforts to curb online fraud targeting Indian users.

Hyderabad: The Cyber crime unit of Hyderabad police in April, through continuous digital monitoring and intelligence-based tracking, identified 184 social media profiles actively operating and running 801 paid advertisements promoting various online gaming, betting applications and fake investment websites targeting users in India.

As a precautionary and preventive measure, all the 184 identified profiles have been reported to the platform concerned and have been taken down to prevent further dissemination of such unlawful and misleading content.

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“These advertisements were strategically designed to attract vulnerable users by promising easy money, bonus, and referral commissions and huge returns on their investments. The identified profiles were systematically sharing promotional content, referral links, IPL predictions and deep fake videos of well-known personalities to lure the public into unlawful betting and fake investment schemes,” said an official of Hyderabad police.

Further based on the identified violations six FIRs have been registered in April month against the promoters. As part of the ongoing cyber patrol initiatives, a cumulative total of 427 social media profiles and 1903 paid promotional advertisements have been identified and taken down for promoting online gaming, illegal betting, and fake investment websites targeting users in India, added the official.

Investigation is underway to trace the individuals and financial channels associated with these profiles. Legal action will be initiated against those found responsible under relevant provisions of law, the officials warned.

Advisory to the Public:

• Online betting and gambling are prohibited in Telangana, and such platforms often lure users with false promises of high returns, bonuses, and referral commissions, leading to risks of penalties, financial loss, and misuse of personal and banking data.

• Individuals promoting or sharing such links through social media may also be liable for legal consequences.

• Do not download or register on unauthorized online betting or gambling platforms.

• Do not share referral links or promotional content of such apps.

• Immediately report suspicious advertisements, links, or profiles promoting illegal betting activities to the nearest Cyber Crime Police Station or through the official cybercrime reporting portal.

• Parents and guardians are particularly requested to counsel young individuals about the risks and legal implications associated with online betting and gambling.

• Fraudulent groups on social platforms often promote fake “high return” investment schemes. Stay cautious and verify before investing.

• Do not trust deepfake videos of well-known personalities promoting investment platforms. These are often scams designed to mislead you.

Always verify information from official sources and stay alert before making any financial decision.