In a recent case in Ahmedabad, it has been reported that four individuals were arrested for allegedly buying genuine tickets for an upcoming cricket match and then altering them using Photoshop to create approximately 200 fake tickets. This incident revolves around the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan World Cup 2023 match, scheduled to take place on October 14, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
According to the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, these individuals manipulated legitimate tickets, scanned them, and edited the copies using Photoshop. The intention was to sell these counterfeit tickets to cricket fans, taking advantage of the high demand and excitement surrounding this high-stakes match. While the demand for tickets for such matches is always substantial, leading to the rapid sale of tickets as soon as the World Cup schedule is released, it’s important to note that the sale of counterfeit tickets is illegal.
The four accused individuals, identified as Jaymin Prajapati (18), Dhruvil Thakor (18), Rajveer Thakor (18), and Kush Meena (21), have been apprehended by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch. These individuals are residents of various areas in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
The police have charged them with various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, fraud, cheating, forgery, and cybercrime. Law enforcement has seized all 200 tickets, including 50 tickets that were sold on social media platforms.
In an effort to enhance ticket security and prevent ticket fraud, the police have issued guidelines with the following security features to verify the authenticity of tickets:
- Dynamic Color-Infused Paper: This feature involves using dynamic color-infused paper on the tickets, which changes color when the ticket is tampered with or altered, making any unauthorized modifications visible.
- Tamper-Evident Label Indicator: Tamper-evident labels provide security against tampering, theft, and fraud, ensuring that any unauthorized access is immediately detected and confirmed.
- Microscopic Security Lens: Tickets incorporate microscopic security lenses that can be examined with the help of special magnifying glasses, further verifying their authenticity.
- Personalized Barcode: Each ticket includes a personalized barcode, serving as a reliable means of identification and verification.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with purchasing tickets from unofficial sources and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of tickets, especially for high-demand events like the India vs. Pakistan World Cup match. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to prevent ticket fraud and protect cricket fans from falling victim to such scams.