Hyderabad Police Remove 184 Betting Scam Accounts

Authorities in Hyderabad have taken action against a network linked to illegal online betting, gambling and fraudulent investment schemes, removing 184 social media accounts during cyber patrol operations conducted in April.

Account Removals

Police said the identified profiles, operating across Facebook and Instagram, were tied to 801 paid advertisements promoting betting, gambling and deceptive investment opportunities. The ads were designed to attract users with offers such as quick cash, bonuses, referral rewards and high-return promises.

Officials also noted that the accounts shared promotional links, IPL-related predictions and, in some cases, deepfake videos of well-known personalities to increase engagement and credibility. The combination of paid advertising and organic posts helped amplify the reach of these schemes.

All 184 accounts were reported to the respective platforms and taken down to limit further spread of the content.

Legal Action

Following the findings, six First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed in April. Police stated that the action was part of a broader investigation based on cyber monitoring carried out over recent months.

In total, authorities have so far identified 427 social media accounts and 1,903 advertising campaigns connected to illegal betting and fraudulent online activities targeting users in India.

Investigations are ongoing to trace those behind the accounts, including individuals responsible for managing the profiles and funding the advertising campaigns.

Public Advisory

Alongside enforcement measures, Hyderabad’s cybercrime unit issued a public warning urging individuals to avoid engaging with online betting platforms, which are prohibited in Telangana.

The warning also highlighted the risks associated with fraudulent investment schemes, particularly those promising unusually high returns or relying on referral-based incentives.

Ongoing Efforts

The latest action forms part of continued efforts by law enforcement to tackle cyber-enabled financial crime. Authorities said removing accounts and filing cases are key steps, but identifying the operators and financial channels behind such networks remains a priority as investigations progress.