Hyderabad: The Hyderabad cybercrime unit has achieved a significant breakthrough in curbing the menace of illegal online betting, gaming promotions and fake investment schemes.
Through continuous digital monitoring and intelligence-based tracking, the unit, in April, identified 184 social media profiles across Facebook and Instagram that were actively operating and running 801 paid advertisements promoting various online gaming, betting applications and fake investment websites targeting users in India, according to V. Aravind Babu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crimes, Hyderabad.
These advertisements were strategically designed to attract vulnerable users by promising easy money, bonuses, 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.
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.
Further based on the identified violations, half a dozen FIRs have been registered in April 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
Further 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.
In an advisory to the public, the police said that 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 people.
Always verify information from official sources and stay alert before making any financial decision. Hyderabad cybercrime unit is committed to maintain a safe and secure cyberspace and urges citizens to avoid engaging with unauthorized betting platforms, following unknown profiles in social media platforms, to remain cautious while participating in online trading or investment activities.
Report any suspicious online activities immediately to the police by dialing toll free number 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.
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