In the realm of online dating, a wave of disconcerting incidents and scams has recently come to light, bringing to the forefront the potential risks associated with seeking connections through dating apps. The surge in reported cases has underscored the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and increased vigilance on these platforms to safeguard users from fraudulent activities and malicious schemes.
Dating App Scams Spark Rising Concerns
Pune
In a recent incident, a resident of Pune who connected with someone on a dating app experienced an unexpected turn of events during their meetup at a local bar. Without prior knowledge of the expenses, he was taken aback to find a bill amounting to ₹22,000, including a ₹10,000 hookah, a ₹15,000 wine bottle, and a ₹1,500 wine glass. Shockingly, the individual he met reportedly issued threats of physical harm if the hefty bill was not promptly settled, coercing him to pay the entire amount.
Delhi
In a parallel occurrence in Delhi, a 25-year-old individual alleged falling victim to a scam involving a bill exceeding ₹15,000 under comparable circumstances. Meeting his date at a Rajouri Garden bar, he was presented with an inflated bill of ₹15,886. Despite encountering payment issues with his card, the victim settled the amount. However, he later discovered he had been deceived when both the bill disappeared and the woman vanished from the dating app, ignoring his subsequent calls.
Gurugram
A man, eagerly anticipating his first date in nearly three years with what seemed to be a compatible match, found himself in an unsettling situation. Upon meeting her, he observed differences between her unkempt appearance and the polished Gen Z-style text messages they had exchanged. Despite suggesting various venues for their meeting, the woman surprised him by revealing that she charged "6,000 bucks for one shot," a statement that left him perplexed. Recognising the cue to exit, the man attempted to leave. Read the full story here.
Bengaluru
A 37-year-old woman employed at a private firm in Bengaluru fell victim to a financial loss of Rs. 4.5 lakh in an encounter with a man she met on a dating app, as per police sources. The woman, seeking assistance, reported the incident to the Whitefield cyber police station on May 19, hoping for the city police's intervention in recovering the money.
According to the police, the woman had connected with a man identifying himself as Advik Chopra, supposedly residing in Mumbai, on Tinder. The man had initially used a false identity for registration, unbeknownst to the woman. Intrigued by the information on his profile, she reciprocated her interest, initiating conversations with him. Read the full coverage here.
These occurrences emphasise the critical importance of prioritising safety and exercising caution when navigating the quest for love on dating apps. It is advisable to undertake a comprehensive verification process when a relationship appears to be progressing significantly. Additionally, refraining from transferring money and exercising trust cautiously until a genuine understanding of the person is established is crucial. One can always implement a pre-screening process, like FaceTime or phone calls before meeting personally. Moreover, during the meeting, feel free to politely conclude the date if you feel unsatisfied.
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