Apart from being one of the biggest T20 cricket leagues in the world, the IPL is also a fantasy betting paradise for both seasoned bettors and newcomers. With the rising popularity of these fantasy sports, scammers are getting more creative. Here are the most common IPL fantasy cricket scams and valuable tips to avoid them.
While betting is not legal in India, there are clever workarounds that allow online betting, and fantasy cricket is one of them.
With the beginning of the IPL 2025 edition, fans have started to make teams on fantasy cricket apps to showcase their skills and win big. However, it is not all glitters.
India is also home to the most clever online scammers, and since this is all online betting, you need to be mindful. Today, we will look at the top IPL fantasy cricket scams you need to avoid. These scams are actively taking place, and as a result, many have lost their life-long savings.
By reading this guide, you will ensure that your fantasy cricket betting experience is not ruined by scams, at least, and that you have a good season. So, let’s dive right in!
Top IPL 2025 Fantasy Cricket Scams
Let’s take a look at the common IPL 2025 fantasy cricket scams that are taking place:
Fake Fantasy Cricket Apps and Websites
Well, the most common scams in fantasy cricket are fake apps and websites. Scammers create fake apps and websites that are not available on any official app store for download. The reason why people fall for these fake apps is that they offer insane rewards and bonuses.
But the good period ends as soon as the users deposit money to the platform. Then, they start seeing app errors and whatnot. Overall, as soon as the user deposits the money, the scammers disappear and the app also becomes dormant in a day or two. Since they are not downloaded from official channels, there is no way to follow up or register a complaint. So you lose all your money.
Some scammers go beyond the simple take money and run approach. They do offer good earnings through rewards and bonuses for the first few matches. Once you get confident in the app and winnings, you go big, and that is when they disappear, taking an even bigger chunk of your earnings.
How to Avoid
There are a few ways to avoid such fake fantasy cricket apps and websites. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stick to official platforms: Use well-known and reputable fantasy cricket apps like Dream11, My11Circle, and MPL.
- Verify authenticity: Download apps only from official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Also, check for developer information and user reviews.
- Look for HTTPS: Ensure the website’s URL begins with “https://” indicating a secure connection.
Phishing Scams
A scam as old as time and still as relevant. Well, in fantasy cricket, there are many instances of phishing scams. In such scams, the scammers will send you deceptive emails and messages that would appear as if they are from legitimate sources.
They usually play with your vulnerable side, convince you to click on malicious links, and fill out personal information. Phishing involves deceptive communications, often emails or messages, that appear to be from legitimate sources. These messages may prompt you to click on malicious links or provide personal information, leading to unauthorized access to your accounts.
How to Avoid
- Never click on suspicious links: If you get a message asking you to enter your details, go directly to the platform’s official website instead.
- Check the sender’s email address: A legit company won’t email you from a random Gmail account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your Fantasy Cricket account.
- Ignore messages that create urgency: In many cases, scammers want you to panic and act fast. Take your time, think, and verify before clicking anything.
Rigged Games and Unfair Contests
You will be shocked to know that many fantasy cricket apps rig their contests. You might think that new or upcoming platforms might do it but you can go on Reddit and find proof that even popular platforms do this. Some platforms may manipulate contest outcomes or have bots posing as real players, reducing your chances of winning.
There are some other ways by which fantasy cricket apps make the entire contest unfair. Some common ones include:
- Fantasy cricket apps fill contests with fake users to manipulate winnings.
- They delay withdrawals indefinitely, hoping you’ll give up.
- Oftentimes, they use confusing T&Cs that make it impossible to claim your money.
How to Avoid
- Do your research: Before joining a new fantasy platform, look for user reviews on Twitter, Reddit, or Quora.
- Check withdrawal policies: If a platform makes it hard to withdraw money, that’s a red flag.
- Stick to trusted names: Well-established fantasy apps have a reputation to protect, so they play fair.
Unrealistic Promotions
Not only fake apps but also trusted apps run unrealistic promotions. While they do a very good job of clearing them from any accountability, they use the best deception techniques that compel users to fall for the trap. The thing is, most people like easy money, and when the bonus is too good, many people fall for the trap. The only important thing to keep in mind is that some offers are too good to be true.
Fantasy cricketing apps promise things like:
“100% win guarantee!” (The thing to note here is that no one can guarantee wins in fantasy cricket.)
“Instant ₹5000 bonus – No Deposit Required!” (The catch? You’ll never be able to withdraw it.)
“Exclusive VIP Contest – Only ₹500 entry for ₹5 Lakh prize!” (But the contest never actually happens.)
Such scams and marketing tactics are very common in the world of fantasy cricket apps.
How to Avoid
Here are a few tips that will help you avoid falling for such IPL 2025 fantasy cricket scams:
- Read the terms and conditions: If the bonus comes with impossible requirements, it’s likely a scam.
- Use common sense: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Compare with genuine offers: Real platforms offer realistic bonuses, not magical ones.
Fake Customer Support
The unfortunate thing is that many popular fantasy cricket apps and sites still don’t have reliable customer support. This has given rise to a new type of scam: fake customer support. Here is how the scam takes place: You face an issue with your Fantasy Cricket account and look for customer support online. You find a phone number on Google or a Telegram support channel claiming to be the “Your_Platform Help Desk.” You call, and the so-called “executive” asks for your login details to “resolve” the issue. Moments later, your account is wiped clean.
Scammers pretend to be official customer service representatives and trick people into sharing sensitive information.
How to Avoid:
If you are having any issues and want to reach out to the betting platform, here are a few tips:
- Contact support only through official channels: Go to the fantasy app’s website or official app for help.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, or card details: Legitimate support teams will never ask for them.
- Beware of Telegram and WhatsApp groups: Scammers often create fake “support groups” to steal data.
Unsecure Payment Gateways
Oftentimes, when you download a new fantasy cricket app, you register and then you have to deposit money to the fantasy wallet to start playing. Instead of using a verified and trusted method, you will be redirected to a third-party site for payment. What happens is that the money leaves your bank, but it never reaches your fantasy account.
Scammers use fake payment gateways to steal deposits without providing any service.
How to Avoid
Here is how you can save yourself from losing money while playing fantasy cricket:
- Use trusted payment options: UPI, Google Pay, and credit/debit cards from reputed providers are the safest.
- Look for the padlock symbol: A secure payment page will have a lock icon in the address bar.
- Avoid direct bank transfers to unknown accounts: If a platform asks for manual transfers, that’s a red flag.
Some Common Tips
Here are some common tips that you should follow to avoid being scammed during IPL 2025:
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
- Never share personal or banking details with unknown sources.
- Stick to well-known fantasy cricket platforms.
- Ask your friends which app they use and whether they have won something on the app or not.
- Ask your friends whether they were able to withdraw their winnings or not.
- Verify links, emails, and customer support contacts before trusting them.
Closing Thoughts
So those are the Top IPL 2025 Fantasy Cricket Scams You Need to Avoid. IPL 2025 is an exciting time for cricket lovers and fantasy cricket players, but it’s also a golden opportunity for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Whether it’s fake apps, phishing scams, rigged contests, or shady payment gateways, these fraudsters have many tricks up their sleeves. We hope this guide helps you to protect yourself from such scams.
FAQs
A: Look for official verification on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, read user reviews, and check if the website has an HTTPS URL. Avoid downloading apps from third-party websites.
A: Immediately report it to the platform (if it’s real), file a complaint with your bank if you made a payment, and report the fraud to cybercrime authorities in India.
No, not all platforms are rigged. However, some lesser-known apps use bots or unfair algorithms. Stick to reputed platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, and MPL to play fair games.
A: They pose as official support agents and trick users into sharing login details, OTPs, or card information. Always contact support through the official website or app.
A: Yes, as long as you use legitimate apps, follow security best practices, and avoid falling for scams.
Citation:- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2011879
