The world of online dating has become increasingly popular in recent years, with apps like Tinder and Bumble making it easier than ever to connect with potential partners. However, along with the convenience of these platforms comes the risk of falling victim to scams. In Mumbai, a group of 12 men recently found themselves on the wrong end of a dating scam that left one victim out ₹61,000.
According to reports, the victims met their scammers through various dating sites, including Tinder and Bumble. The scam was brought to light by lawyer and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who took to social media to warn others about the dangers of falling for such schemes. The scam involved a club in Andheri West called The Godfather, where unsuspecting men were lured in by a woman who would then proceed to run up exorbitant bills on their behalf.
The scam worked by luring men into meeting up for a quick drink at a popular location like Pizza Express or Metro, before suggesting a move to The Godfather club. Once there, the woman would order expensive drinks, hookah, and shots without showing the men a menu. Within an hour, the bill would amount to thousands of rupees, leaving the men shocked and confused. If they refused to pay, they would be threatened by bouncers and even physically assaulted.
The scam came to light when Bhardwaj shared screenshots of bills from some of the victims, including one invoice for ₹61,743 that detailed two cocktails priced at ₹5,000 each. The post quickly went viral, garnering over four million views and prompting a wave of responses from concerned netizens. While some defended the victims, others questioned their naivety and suggested that they should have been more cautious.
One user commented, “How is this a scam? People are themselves paying to maybe impress the girl or what not. While she’s ordering the man has the choice to either clarify who will be paying or directly say – I can’t afford more than 2 drinks. But then that takes away the masculinity and chivalry. Person A meets Person B in the pursuit of getting something back. Person B taking advantage of their no rational thinking does this. People don’t make you a fool, you already are a fool, and people just take advantage of that.”
Another user shared their own experience, saying, “My friend also got scammed here. Hope police will take some action against the restaurant.” And a third user added, “I know a friend who got scammed. Same way, maybe same place and I suppose same girl or some other. but this is happening all over Mumbai, pan-India.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of online dating and the potential risks involved in meeting strangers through these platforms. While the majority of users may have genuine intentions, there are always individuals looking to exploit others for their own gain. It is important for users to exercise caution and vigilance when interacting with new people online, especially when it comes to meeting in person.
As the story continues to unfold, it is hoped that the authorities will take swift action to address the issue and hold those responsible for the scam accountable. In the meantime, it serves as a cautionary tale for anyone using dating apps to be wary of potential scams and to always prioritize their safety and well-being above all else.
