A 50-year-old MNC professional from Gurugram was conned out of ₹73.42 lakh by a woman he met on the dating app Bumble, who convinced him to invest in a fraudulent stock trading platform through regular chats and video calls between August and September 2025.
The scam occurred online and involved transferring money via a mobile app and Telegram group, under the guise of high returns; the victim attempted to withdraw his supposed earnings but was blocked and eventually reported the crime to Gurugram Cyber Police, who have launched a formal investigation and urged public caution against such sophisticated online scams.
Manipulative Tactics: How The Fraud Unfolded
After building trust over weeks of online interaction, the accused enticed the victim into joining a Telegram group where multiple “investors” posted fabricated success stories and stock tips. The woman reportedly personalised conversations using emotional details, making the investment opportunity appear legitimate and lucrative.
Fake profit screens and persistent nudges led the victim to transfer ₹73.42 lakh in several instalments, all while being shown fictitious profits worth more than ₹2 crore. When the victim tried to retrieve his funds, he was asked to pay an extra release fee, and when he hesitated, all digital contact was severed.
A Rising Trend: Romance-Driven Financial Scams
Police and consumer safety experts highlight that romance-based fraud, targeting individuals via dating and social platforms, is on the rise in urban India. Scammers typically set up realistic websites, create fake groups, and manipulate users emotionally and financially.
According to newbytes, Gurugram Police, led by Sandeep Turan, expressed concern over this trend and confirmed that investigation teams were tracking digital footprints to apprehend those responsible. “Anyone receiving unsolicited financial proposals, especially in the guise of friendship or romance, should approach such offers with scepticism and report them promptly,” Turan advised.
Recent police reports indicate a surge in romance-driven scams across Gurugram, with several cases involving losses above ₹1 crore in 2025 alone. Experts also warn that deepfake technology and sophisticated social engineering tactics are making these scams harder to detect, with some targeting multiple victims simultaneously.
Police emphasise that only a small percentage of those affected actually come forward to report such crimes, meaning the true scale of online romance frauds is likely far greater than official statistics suggest.
Expert Advice: Strengthening Online Consumer Safety
Cybercrime specialists warn against divulging personal financial information to online acquaintances and recommend verifying any investment platform’s credentials with official market regulators. Financial advisers recommends:
- Not acting on high-return promises from strangers.
- Cross-checking stock platforms and consulting licensed advisors.
- Using strict privacy controls on social and financial apps.
- Immediately reporting suspicious behaviour to cyber cells.
This stepwise caution provides vital protection against sophisticated digital fraudsters.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident is a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities present in online relationships and financial dealings. The Logical Indian calls for increased digital literacy, empathy, and collective responsibility for consumer safety.
It is crucial that communities discuss such risks openly to support victims and prevent recurrence.
