A 63-year-old man from Horamavu, Bengaluru was allegedly cheated out of over Rs 32 lakh in a WhatsApp-based dating scam between September 5 and October 18. The fraudsters reportedly lured him with promises of introductions to “high-society women” via an exclusive dating service, starting with a small registration fee.
Over several weeks, the victim transferred large sums through multiple bank accounts, believing he was close to meeting a woman named Ritika. When he hesitated to pay more, the scammers threatened him, prompting him to realise the deceit.
The man filed a complaint with East CEN Crime Police, who have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities are tracing the money flow and investigating the perpetrators.
Dating Scam Unveiled
According to police and reports, the man was initially contacted by individuals claiming to represent a premium dating agency offering connections with elite women. After paying a small registration fee, he was sent photos of three women and asked to choose one.
The woman he reportedly picked, Ritika, built trust through WhatsApp chats and promised a face-to-face meeting. However, additional supposed fees such as processing and coordination charges were repeatedly demanded, each time with new reasons to extract more money. The scam capitalised on emotional manipulation, financial pressure, and fear tactics to trap the victim.
Human Impact and Police Action
The reported scam highlights a sophisticated method targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship online. The victim lost nearly Rs 32.2 lakh over six weeks, transferring money in numerous instalments to different accounts.
When the fraudsters threatened legal action, he finally realised the fraud and filed a police complaint on October 23. The police have opened investigations under cybercrime and cheating laws, working to trace the suspect network behind the racket.
They have also cautioned the public about online dating scams and urged vigilance in sharing personal and financial information.
How to Stay Safe from Dating Scams
- Verify authenticity: Always research the dating platform or agency before sharing personal or financial details.
- Never transfer money: Legitimate platforms don’t demand repeated “processing” or “verification” charges.
- Look for red flags: Be cautious if someone rushes you to pay or makes emotional appeals.
- Check communication sources: Genuine companies rarely operate only through WhatsApp or personal numbers.
- Keep evidence: Save chats, phone numbers, and payment details for police reporting.
- Report suspicious activity: Immediately file complaints at cybercrime.gov.in or your nearest cyber police station.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident underscores the urgent need for awareness about digital scams exploiting emotional vulnerabilities. While the internet offers new avenues for connection, it also exposes people to complex frauds that cause severe psychological and financial harm.
The Logical Indian urges both individuals and authorities to prioritise education on safe online practices and robust law enforcement to deter scammers.
