Online Gaming Scams Target Youth in Sonaimuri, Noakhali

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting residents with fraudulent online gaming offers attempting to hack devices and drain bank accounts through deceptive links.

On Thursday morning (July 30) a young man from Sonaimuri reported receiving a suspicious call from an unknown number (+8809658849448). The caller claiming to represent "77B2B Online Gaming," offered a 2,000-taka bonus for a 500-taka deposit falsely promising a refund if he lost the game. When the youth ignored probing questions about his messaging apps he received an SMS from another number (01614077386) containing a registration link. Suspecting a hacking trap, he wisely refrained from clicking it.

This incident highlights a growing trend of organized betting platforms cold-calling citizens. Scammers lure victims with guaranteed profits and small initial withdrawals to build trust. Once larger deposits are made the funds vanish. Additionally registered users face relentless harassment from various numbers pressuring them to deposit more money.

Experts warn that these syndicates exploit personal data gathered from social media. Beyond financial ruin these illegal gambling networks fuel youth addiction and facilitate massive money laundering out of Bangladesh.

Law enforcement agencies have recently intensified their crackdown on illegal online betting freezing thousands of illicit mobile financial accounts. Sonaimuri Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Kabir Hossain urged victims to come forward. "The victim can file a General Diary (GD). Once filed we will investigate and take legal action," he stated.

Authorities urge the public to ignore unsolicited financial offers avoid clicking unknown links and report suspicious activities immediately.