Recently, in Lucknow, fraudsters extorted 14 lakh rupees from a student under the guise of online gaming. He had transferred 14 lakh rupees from his father’s account. After being scammed, the student was so traumatized that he committed suicide. The investigation revealed that the accused lured the student with gaming IDs and upgrades, extorted money, and then cheated him. Last month, at ‘Cyber Awareness Manthan 2025’, actor Akshay Kumar also mentioned an incident involving his daughter. He said that during online gaming, an unknown person asked his daughter for nude photos. She told her mother, Twinkle. All these are part of cybercrime. Teenagers and youth are most active in online gaming. Cyber fraudsters are easily making them their targets. However, with a little caution and awareness, this can be prevented. Therefore, in the ‘Cyber Literacy’ column today, we will talk about online gaming scams. We will also know that- Question – How is cyber fraud happening in online gaming? Answer – In online gaming, cyber fraudsters exploit the vulnerabilities of teenagers and youth. Fraudsters contact them by posing as a ‘pro player’ or ‘seller’ of the game. They lure them through game chat, social media, or fake apps, saying things like, “I will upgrade your ID, you will get new skills, or unlimited coins.” Teenagers believe them and transfer money. Many times, fraudsters sell fake gift cards or cheat codes that don’t even work. Question- Why are online gaming scams increasing in India? Answer- Such scams are increasing in India because subscriptions to gaming apps are easily available in India. Looking at the Lucknow case, the child kept losing in the game and, in the pursuit of upgrades, kept withdrawing money from his father’s account and transferring it. Scammers often send phishing links, which hack devices and steal bank details. Question- Why do teenagers or young people often fall into this trap? Answer- Teenagers and young people fall for this scam the most because at their age, excitement, competition, and the desire to outdo friends are high. Sometimes loneliness at home or academic pressure pushes them towards games. Scammers take advantage of this. They talk to teenagers as friends, understand their weaknesses, and trap them. Many young people get scared after losing money and, instead of telling their family, borrow more money. More than 70% of cyber fraud victims in online gaming are young people aged 18-25. Question- What is the method of fraud in the name of selling or upgrading gaming IDs? Answer- Scammers first befriend teenagers in the game. Then they say that their ID is ‘pro level’ and they will sell or upgrade it cheaply. The child sends money, but the scammers do not transfer the ID or give a fake ID. Many times, under the pretext of ‘upgrade’, they ask for the password of teenagers’ real IDs and then hack the account. In India, such scams run on social media groups, where scammers win trust by showing fake screenshots. Scammers often ask for small amounts via UPI or wallet, so that the child keeps getting trapped. Later, they also blackmail, saying that if money is not given, they will delete the ID. Question- What methods of digital payment do cyber scammers use to steal money? Answer- Thugs lure teenagers into sharing UPI IDs or bank details. They tell them that if they send money, they will get a reward. Bank apps are linked on mobile phones. Therefore, if the child knows the OTP or PIN, the transfer happens easily. Thugs also send phishing apps, which capture bank details. Many times they create fake payment gateways, where the child makes in-app purchases and the money goes into the thug’s account. Thugs use multiple accounts for this, so that tracing cannot be done. Question- How can parents understand if their child is falling into the trap of online gaming or cyber fraud? Answer- Parents should keep an eye on teenagers’ behavior. If the child is spending too much time on the phone, constantly staying up late, or suddenly getting angry, then be alert. If sudden transaction alerts come from the bank or bills increase, investigate immediately. If the child asks for too much pocket money or hides things, talk to them. If the child appears stressed or distances themselves from friends, be alert. Question- How to make children aware of this? Answer- Cyber literacy means understanding the digital world. Teach children not to talk to strangers, not to click on links sent by anyone, and to spend money only through official channels. Set game time limits on children’s phones using parental control apps. For accounts children have, set transaction limits on bank accounts, and do not share OTPs. Tell teenagers that winning and losing in games is normal; real life is important. Question – What should one do if they fall victim to an online gaming scam? Answer – First of all, don’t panic. Immediately call the bank and block the transaction. Save all evidence such as chats, screenshots. Call the 1930 helpline or file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Explain to teenagers that mistakes are a learning opportunity. Don’t blame them. Immediately change all passwords. Report the incident as soon as possible. This increases the chances of getting the money back. Question – How can the police and cyber cell help in cases related to cybercrime? Answer- Police register FIRs on complaints, track the location of fraudsters. The cyber cell investigates digital evidence and gets accounts frozen. Every state in India has a cyber cell. They receive special training for this. Question- Why is gaming addiction so dangerous? Answer- Gaming addiction is a digital addiction. Teenagers quit studying, don’t sleep, and spend money. Many games increase dopamine, which leads to addiction. Increase children’s outdoor activities, set limits on their phone usage.
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