Bengaluru Dating Scam Man Loses ₹3.2M in Elite Online Fraud

Bengaluru — A chilling case of digital deception has emerged from Bengaluru, where a 63-year-old man from Horamavu lost ₹3.2 million in an elaborate online dating scam. The victim approached the East CEN Crime Police after falling prey to a fraud that preyed on the allure of elite dating circles.

The scam began when the man received a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to represent a “high-society dating agency.” Promising connections with women from affluent backgrounds, the agency requested a modest registration fee of ₹1,950. After paying, the victim was presented with photos of three women and asked to choose one. He selected a woman who identified herself as ‘Ritika,’ beginning weeks of conversations over WhatsApp and video calls.

As the exchanges progressed, another individual named ‘Priti’ entered the conversation, claiming to assist with logistics and travel arrangements. The victim was then asked to make additional payments under the guise of verification, coordination, and travel fees. Over several weeks, he transferred funds across multiple accounts, totaling ₹3.2 million. When he refused further payments, the perpetrators allegedly issued threats, prompting him to report the matter to police.

Authorities have registered a case under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, impersonation, and fraud. Bank accounts used in the transactions are under investigation, with officials tracing money trails across states.

This scam highlights a growing trend in online dating fraud, as criminal networks exploit messaging apps, deepfake technology, and cloned voices to craft convincing identities. Similar scams have been reported in cities like Delhi, where dating apps have been used to defraud users both financially and emotionally.

Cybersecurity experts warn that online dating scams often involve AI-generated profiles, fake agency representations, and emotionally manipulative tactics. Victims are typically persuaded to transfer money under fabricated pretenses.

Bengaluru Police have issued a public advisory, urging citizens to avoid sending money to individuals or organizations claiming to provide dating or matchmaking services via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. Verification should be conducted through official websites and government-registered portals to ensure safety.