Online gaming, once a harmless source of fun for children and youth, is now being misused by cybercriminals to run large-scale frauds. A recent scam in Gujarat has uncovered the dark underbelly of the gaming world—where the lure of free coins and in-game rewards is being used to trap unsuspecting victims, especially minors.
A well-organized scam network in Gujarat targeted users through Instagram advertisements. These ads promised free gaming coins or gifts to attract children and teenagers. Users were asked to download a fake gaming app, which looked legitimate but served a completely different purpose.
Once installed, users had to buy coins to continue playing. However, these coins held no real value. The primary aim was to steal users' money and personal information.
After users spent money on the app, scammers took things a step further. They began calling the victims, threatening them with legal action for using an "unauthorized app." Out of fear, many users paid more money to avoid supposed legal trouble.
This elaborate scheme defrauded hundreds of users across India, with scammers stealing nearly ₹2 crore.
The Gujarat CID cracked down on the scam, arresting seven accused and recovering ₹2 crore. However, investigations are still ongoing in multiple states, as the fraud appears to be widespread.
With online scams targeting young users more frequently, parents and guardians must stay alert. Here's how you can protect your children:
✅ Only download apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
❌ Avoid clicking on links shared via ads, messages, or unknown sources promising free rewards.
🛡️ Educate your kids about the risks of sharing personal or financial information online.
🔒 Enable parental controls and monitor app installations and in-app purchases.
📞 Report suspicious activity to cybercrime authorities via cybercrime.gov.in or local police.
While online gaming offers entertainment and social engagement, it also opens doors to digital exploitation. The Gujarat scam is a wake-up call for families across India. Always choose secure platforms, talk openly with your kids about online threats, and take preventive steps to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud.
