Kolkata woman loses ₹12,000 in IPL ticket scam via Instagram

A woman from Girish Park, Kolkata, has fallen victim to an online fraud while trying to purchase discounted IPL tickets from an Instagram page. The fraudsters, posing as legitimate sellers, lured her in with attractive offers and trapped her into making full payment before blocking all contact.  

The victim initially paid 30% of the ticket price, after which she received a confirmation email instructing her to complete the remaining payment. Trusting the communication, she transferred the rest of the money. However, after the full payment of ₹12,000, she realized that she had been blocked on all platforms, with no way to contact the sellers.  

Realizing she had been scammed, the woman filed a complaint at Girish Park Police Station on March 15, 2025, and also reported the case to CD Cyber Cell. Investigators are tracing the transaction, as the amount was credited to a Yes Bank account, potentially leading to the fraudsters.  

The police are analyzing digital footprints and monitoring similar fraudulent accounts that target IPL ticket buyers. Online scams around sports events and concerts have become increasingly common, with scammers taking advantage of the high demand for tickets.  

Authorities have issued a warning to verify ticket sellers before making online payments. They have also urged the public to avoid unofficial websites, social media sellers, and deals that seem too good to be true. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working towards identifying the culprits.