The 63-year-old victim was lured by fraudsters posing as agents of an elite dating agency.
Scammers built emotional trust through fake profiles and continuous WhatsApp chats.
He transferred Rs 32.2 lakh before realising the fraud; police have filed a case under the IT Act and BNS.
A 63-year-old resident of Horamavu, East Bengaluru, has become the latest victim of an online dating scam, losing over Rs 32 lakh to fraudsters posing as agents of a “high-society dating service.” The scam unfolded between September 5 and October 18, before being reported to the East CEN Crime Police on October 23, according to The Times of India.
SurveyThe victim was first contacted by a person claiming to run a private dating agency that could arrange meetings with “elite women.” To make the offer appear legitimate, the caller asked for a small registration fee of Rs 1,950, which the man paid online.
After the payment, the scammers sent photos of three women over WhatsApp and asked him to choose one. He selected a woman identified as “Ritika,” who soon began chatting with him regularly. Over time, their conversations turned affectionate, establishing a false sense of intimacy.
Just before the Dussehra festival, Ritika claimed she was travelling to her hometown and introduced him to another “coordinator,” Priti, who would arrange their meeting. What followed was a string of demands, including processing fees, service charges, and other fake expenses to make their meeting happen.
The victim transferred money to multiple bank accounts as instructed, trusting the scammers’ claims. However, each payment only led to more demands. When he denied sending more funds, the fraudsters switched tactics, threatening him with “legal consequences” to extract further funds.
By the time the man realised he was being scammed, he had transferred Rs 32.2 lakh in total. The police have since registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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Experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using psychological manipulation and digital tools to target victims. Authorities advise citizens to verify online dating services, avoid sharing personal details, and report suspicious accounts immediately.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
