Gachibowli Retiree loses ₹2 lakh in ‘dating service’ fraud; three women named in complaint
HYDERABAD: A 65-year-old retired state government employee from Gachibowli alleged that he was cheated of ₹2,47,350 by persons posing as representatives of a dating service company offering “free chat and meeting” with women.
According to the complaint filed, Erva Venkatesham, a resident of Gachibowli, stated that he received an SMS on February 27, 2026 from a woman identifying herself as Nayra. She asked him to call a number to avail free chat and dating services through a company named “Happy Happy”.
Asked to pay registration, share personal details
The complainant said he called the number and was asked on WhatsApp to pay ₹1,550 as registration fee through a QR code. After making the payment, he shared personal details including name, age, address, occupation, and preferences.
He stated that his contact was then forwarded to another woman identified as Priya. She allegedly sent photographs of four women and asked him to select one or two. After he chose two, one identified as Nisha was confirmed.
He was then asked to pay ₹17,800 as “member service charges”, which he paid. The complainant said he was told the amount would be refunded after a meeting.
Additional charges demanded for hotel, membership, refunds
The complaint stated that Priya continued to demand payments for membership ID, hotel booking and late fees. The complainant alleged he paid a total of ₹1,23,550 through bank transfers and UPI.
On March 2, 2026, he was informed that ₹1,22,000 would be refunded after deduction of registration fee, but he needed to pay ₹19,800 as cancellation charges. He paid the amount, followed by another ₹22,000.
He further alleged that another woman identified as Adithi contacted him seeking payment screenshots, email ID, Aadhaar card, bank details and photograph, claiming the company would refund ₹1,63,802. He then paid ₹21,600 as clearing charges.
The complainant stated that further payments of ₹27,600 and ₹32,800 were demanded as clearance charges and bank manager commission. He alleged that he paid an additional ₹1,23,800.
He told police that he had earlier filed complaints on March 1, 2026 and March 16, 2026 for ₹1,23,350 and ₹1,23,800 respectively, totalling ₹2,47,350.
The complainant alleged that the accused repeatedly assured him that the entire amount, except the registration fee, would be refunded. After realising it was fraudulent, he sought legal action against Nayra, Priya, Adithi and others.
