Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Bengaluru — A 63-year-old man living in Horamavu has reported a loss of ₹3.2 million after being ensnared in an elaborate online dating fraud, officials said. The victim turned to the East CEN Crime Police after the fraudsters targeted him with promises tied to elite matchmaking networks.
The deception started with a WhatsApp message from an account claiming to operate a “high-society dating agency,” which asked for a registration charge of ₹1,950. After paying the fee, the man was shown images of three women and asked to pick one. He chose a profile identifying herself as ‘Ritika,’ and the two communicated over weeks by WhatsApp messages and video calls.
Another person, using the name ‘Priti,’ later joined the chats, presenting herself as responsible for arrangements and travel help. The victim was repeatedly asked to send further payments for so-called verification, coordination and travel-related costs. He transferred money into several accounts over several weeks, which together amounted to ₹3.2 million. When he declined to continue payments, the suspects allegedly issued threats, prompting the complaint to police.
Law enforcement has registered cases under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, impersonation and fraud. Banks linked to the transactions are being examined and investigators are tracing the funds across state lines.
Authorities say the incident reflects a rising pattern of dating-related fraud, in which organised groups use messaging apps, manipulated media and voice-cloning to construct convincing false identities. Comparable schemes using dating platforms have been reported in other cities, including Delhi.
Cybersecurity specialists caution that such scams commonly rely on AI-crafted profiles, fake agency fronts and emotionally coercive tactics to persuade victims into transferring money under false pretences.
Bengaluru Police have warned the public not to send money to people or groups offering dating or matchmaking services via WhatsApp or similar messaging services. They advise verifying any service through official websites or government-registered portals before making payments.
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