Case 4 - Dating app fraud
Ajay met a girl through a dating app who gained his trust by sharing personal problems and asking for money. After meeting her at a restaurant, he was shocked by an inflated bill of ₹25,000 but paid it to avoid embarrassment. Later, he received explicit photos and threats on WhatsApp, demanding money to avoid police action. The girl became unreachable, revealing it was a planned scam involving emotional and privacy blackmail.
After setting up his profile on a dating app and communicating with a girl for a few days, the girl confides in him about her household issues and asks for his assistance. Ajay agrees and continues to send her money occasionally. This goes on for a few days before Ajay asks her to meet him at a restaurant. The girl then calls him to the restaurant of her choosing, and they meet. Lunch and other meals are ordered, and when it comes time to pay the bill, Ajay is taken aback to see that the item he had estimated would cost $300–400 was actually charged $25,000. Ajay pays for it in order to preserve his honour.
The meetings keep coming up. One day, Ajay receives some offensive pictures on his WhatsApp from an unidentified number. He notices that the girl in the picture was in a romantic setting in a hotel room, and he receives a message stating that the girl will file a complaint with the police. Paying money will resolve the issue if you wish to stop her.
When Ajay contacted the girl, he was astonished to find that the number was off. He is aware that a comprehensive scheme was used to defraud him.
A costly dinner bill, emotional blackmail, and, lastly, privacy blackmail.
Remember not to put your faith in anyone and give him your weak point.
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