In Thiruvananthapuram, there are influencers who assist financially struggling individuals and showcase these acts on YouTube. However, what many may not realize is that these influencers also endorse illegal betting and gaming apps, profiting from this activity. These influencers approach elderly people and lottery vendors, asking them about their most pressing needs, often revolving around debt repayment or adequate housing. After hearing their stories, the influencers typically provide a sum of money and record the exchange for their YouTube channel.
These videos garner viewership and subscriptions. In Kerala, influencers earn income by endorsing betting apps, some of which are prohibited in India. They showcase their supposed earnings, such as depositing Rs.2,000 and receiving Rs.20,000 in return, sharing a portion of these profits with the less fortunate while reaping significant gains themselves. Promoting such content can lead to increased channel revenue.
Betting schemes often involve fraudulent practices, where initial deposits are matched, but subsequent larger investments frequently result in total losses. These apps often target demographics like housewives, enticing them to start businesses from home with a Rs.10,000 investment, and even exploit children under 15 years old.
Those who criticize these influencers may face cyber attacks in retaliation. It is important to note that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued warnings against endorsing unauthorized apps, instructing influencers to remove any related social media content promptly.