IPL 2026 Scam Alert: 600 Fake Ticket Sites, 400 Streaming Links Target Fans

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a large-scale scam operation targeting cricket fans during the IPL 2026 season, with more than 600 fake ticket booking websites and over 400 malicious streaming links reportedly detected online. The findings were revealed in a report by cybersecurity firm CloudSEK, which warned that scammers are exploiting the massive popularity of the Indian Premier League to steal money, personal data, and even cryptocurrency assets from unsuspecting users.

According to the report titled Hit Wicket: Inside The Expensive Web of Scams Targeting Millions of IPL Fans This Season, fraudsters have created websites that closely imitate trusted ticketing platforms such as BookMyShow and District. Researchers said the fake portals replicate official branding elements including logos, fonts, colours, and layouts, making them appear authentic to users searching for IPL tickets online. Many of these sites also feature fake urgency indicators such as countdown timers and alerts claiming that only a few seats remain available, pressuring fans into making quick payments.

The report found that scammers are aggressively promoting these fake ticketing portals through social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook using posts, reels, and paid advertisements. Some fraudulent domains were also reportedly optimised to rank highly in search engine results for keywords such as “IPL 2026 tickets” and “IPL match booking.” Researchers identified suspicious domains including “bookmyshow-ipl-ticket[.]com,” “bookmyshowticket[.]com,” and “ipl-tickets-booking[.]live,” among others.

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Victims visiting these websites are typically asked to choose seats and enter personal details such as their names, email addresses, and phone numbers before completing payments through UPI, debit cards, credit cards, QR codes, or online payment gateways. After payment, users often receive confirmation emails along with PDF tickets that appear legitimate, featuring booking IDs, seat numbers, QR codes, and IPL branding. However, researchers warned that the booking details are fake and the QR codes fail during stadium entry verification, leaving fans without valid tickets or refunds.

Cybersecurity experts also raised concerns that the stolen personal information may later be sold to other cybercriminal groups for additional fraud operations. Investigators found that some scam operators used Meta Pixel tracking tools to monitor user behaviour, including ad clicks, form submissions, and payment activity. Researchers said the fraud networks were able to dynamically alter ticket prices depending on demand, charging significantly higher amounts for popular IPL matches while lowering rates for less sought-after fixtures.

Apart from fake ticketing portals, researchers warned of a growing number of malicious IPL streaming websites targeting users searching for free live broadcasts. These sites often resemble genuine streaming services with match schedules, HD streaming options, and team branding, but secretly contain malware, redirects, and harmful scripts. According to the report, the malware can collect passwords, browser data, cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet information. Researchers said the attacks specifically targeted more than 100 crypto wallet applications and extensions, including Ledger Live, Exodus, Atomic Wallet, and Trezor Suite, posing a serious risk to users seeking unofficial IPL streams online.

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