Cyber fraudsters lure OTT users with fake subscription offers

Cybercrime fraudster gangs are now targeting entertainment lovers with fraudulent OTT subscription offers, tricking them into clicking malicious links and installing harmful applications.

While a genuine annual subscription on various popular OTT platforms costs around Rs 1,499, it is learnt that fraudsters are circulating messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms promising the same package for just Rs 500. Believing these offers, unsuspecting users are falling prey to scams that lead to their bank accounts being emptied within



minutes.

Investigations show that the fraudsters are distributing APK files and remote access apps like AnyDesk through these links. “Once installed, malware secretly enters the victim’s device, giving cybercriminals access to banking details, PAN, Aadhaar, photos, and other sensitive information,” said D Kavitha, DCP, Cybercrime.

Further, cyber officials caution that even simple Google searches for OTT subscriptions can be misleading, as criminals are running fake advertisements that appear at the top of search results. Clicking these ads often redirects users to WhatsApp chats operated by scammers.