Beware of these YouTube 'messiahs', there is act of deception involved

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: You might be familiar with the influencers who help the poor financially and post video on the same on YouTube. What you might not be familar is that they are promoters of illegal betting and gaming apps and earns good money this way.

These people find the elderly people and lottery sellers on the street and ask them about their greatest wish. To this, they usually speak about loan repayment or a shelter above their head. Hearing this, these influencers will give a couple thousand rupees and say this is what they can do. A video on this will be uploaded in their YouTube channel. People like such videos and will subscribe to the channel.

Influencers in Kerala earn money by promoting betting apps, which include those banned in India. They will also show a screenshot proving that he deposited Rs 2000 and got Rs 20,000 as return. They will give some of generated revenue to the poor people and reap in profits. You can get double the income from the channel through promotion.

Betting fraud

The first deposit in the betting app is doubled. When you deposit a bigger amount, you will likely lose the entire amount. These apps mainly target housewives by encouraging them to start a home-based business with an investment of Rs 10,000. Children under the age of 15 are also victims. They will cyberattack anyone who blames their favorite YouTuber.

Warning

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has warned against promoting such unauthorized apps. Directions were given to remove their social media profiles.

Cyber Help No. 1930