Fri Mar 28 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Gorakhpur Youth Falling Prey to IPL Betting Scams

**Gorakhpur, India:** A surge in online betting scams targeting young people in Gorakhpur during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season has prompted a warning from local authorities. Fraudsters are using social media to lure victims with promises of guaranteed winning tips and fake payment screenshots to build trust. While victims report the scams to the cyber police, arrests and successful prosecutions remain elusive.

An investigation by Dainik Jagran iNext revealed the modus operandi of these scammers. An undercover reporter contacted a bookie, who offered IPL betting tips for ₹4000 per match after a free demo. The bookie claimed a 100% success rate, promising tips on every over and player. Payment was required via QR code 30 minutes before the match.

The scams are facilitated by easily accessible betting apps, available for as little as ₹100, and operated through WhatsApp groups. Over 140 new apps, including Mahadev app, Satta Book, Reddy Anna, and MD, are being used to facilitate illegal betting, expanding the network from local neighborhoods to online platforms.

While the Gorakhpur police have made some arrests in the past related to IPL betting scams (e.g., arrests in September 2024, October 2020, and May 2019), the problem persists. Authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid falling for such scams. Victims are advised to report incidents to the cybercrime helpline 1930. SP Crime, Sudhir Kumar Jaiswal, stressed the need for vigilance and warned against the temptation of easy money.

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