Swipe, Date & Dhokha: How Scammers Trick Men on Dating Apps in Cafes in Major Metro Cities
In the era of online dating, a simple swipe on a dating app can open up a world of possibilities. However, for some men, these virtual connections have turned into costly nightmares. Scammers have devised elaborate schemes to extort money from unsuspecting individuals seeking love.
The Modus Operandi
The victims of these scams often connect with attractive women on popular dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. The women, using fake profiles and aliases, engage in conversations with their unsuspecting targets. They build rapport, exchange messages, and eventually agree to meet in person.
The meeting, however, is not what the victim expects. The women, often working with accomplices, lure the victim to shady, nondescript cafes. At these establishments, the women order minimal food and drinks, yet when the bill arrives, it’s for an exorbitant amount, often exceeding thousands of rupees.
Threats and Intimidation
If the victim disputes the bill, they are met with threats, intimidation, and sometimes even physical violence. The staff at the cafe, complicit in the scam, confines the victim and demands immediate payment. Fear and desperation force many victims to pay the inflated bill to avoid further harm.
The Distribution of Profits
The profits from these scams are divided among the perpetrators, with the women receiving a significant portion. The cafe staff and managers also receive a cut, while the owners of the establishment pocket the rest. This well-oiled network makes it difficult for victims to pinpoint the source of the scam.
The Social Stigma
Adding to the victim’s distress is the social stigma associated with being scammed in a dating app scenario. The victims are often ashamed or reluctant to report the incident to the authorities due to fear of judgment or ridicule. This reluctance allows the scammers to continue their predatory activities with impunity.
Recent Cases
Case 1: Delhi Cafe Scam
In a recent incident in Delhi, a civil service aspirant met a woman named Versha on Tinder for a birthday celebration at Black Mirror Cafe in East Delhi. After Versha left abruptly, he received a bill for over Rs. 1.2 lakh for snacks, cakes, and non-alcoholic beverages. When he disputed the bill, he was threatened and forced to pay. An investigation led to the arrest of the cafe owners, the woman, and her accomplice, Aryan. The scam involved a distribution of profits among the parties involved.
Case 2: Mumbai Scam
Another scam took place in Mumbai, where a man met a woman on Shaadi.com. They went on a date to a cafe, and after the woman left, he received a bill for Rs. 5 lakh. He reported the incident to the police, who arrested the woman and her associates. The investigation revealed that the accused had created multiple fake profiles on dating apps and targeted men looking for relationships.
Prevention
To avoid falling victim to such scams, there are several precautions individuals can take:
- Be cautious of profiles that seem too good to be true: Scammers often use attractive photos and create profiles with limited information to lure victims.
- Meet in public places: Avoid going to secluded or unknown locations for dates. Choose well-known and safe places where there are other people around.
- Be aware of the menu prices: Before ordering, ask for the menu and check the prices to avoid any surprises later.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, do not hesitate to leave the situation.
Priyanka 
Mehek