HYDERABAD: Online dating scam dupes Malakpet man of ₹6.4 lakh
HYDERABAD: A 32-year-old resident of Malakpet, Hyderabad, lost ₹6,49,840 after falling prey to a dating and friendship scam that began with a link to a dating website.
According to the Cyber Crimes Police Station (CCPS), Hyderabad, the victim had been searching for a partner when he received a WhatsApp call on July 9, 2025, from a woman identifying herself as Tanya Sharma. She offered to add him to a friendship group after paying a ₹1,950 registration fee.
Multiple payments made under false pretexts
Subsequently, two other women, Priti and Ritika, contacted the victim, persuading him to make several additional payments under various “refundable” heads such as hotel booking, meeting confirmation, service tax, refund process, account verification, and privacy security. Believing their claims, he transferred ₹6,49,840.11 to several bank accounts.
The victim later realised he had been cheated by a group posing as representatives of reputed companies. He lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crimes Police Station, Hyderabad.
Cyber police urge public caution
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crimes), Hyderabad, urged the public to remain vigilant against such online frauds.
“Citizens should never transfer money or share personal details with unknown individuals or websites offering friendship or marriage opportunities,” the advisory stated.
Authorities also reminded victims to immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in to report online financial frauds. For emergency help, citizens can contact 8712665171 or email cybercrimespshyd@gmail.com
