Recent incidents of dating app scams have surfaced on social media, shedding light on the deceptive tactics used by scammers to coerce men into footing exorbitant restaurant bills. Two separate cases have come to the forefront, both involving unsuspecting victims manipulated during their encounters through dating apps.
In Pune, a resident fell victim to an elaborate scam after meeting his match at a local bar. The date, seemingly innocuous at first, took a dark turn when the man was presented with a staggering bill of ₹22,000, comprising a ₹10,000 hukka, ₹15,000 wine bottle, and a ₹1,500 wine glass. Threatened with physical harm, the man felt compelled to settle the bill to avoid any potential danger.
Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, an activist, brought attention to the incident, stating, "Guy matches girl on @bumble. She asks to meet within 2 days. Chooses Gypsy Moto Pub specifically. Orders hukka wine immediately. Guy slapped with Rs. 23K bill. Girl threatens either he pays or be beaten up & his family involved," in a post on X on Saturday.
Similarly, in Delhi, a 25-year-old man reported a similar scam, involving a bill of ₹15,886 at a bar in Rajouri Garden. Despite encountering payment issues, the victim settled the bill, only to realize later that he had been duped. The woman vanished from the dating app, ignoring all attempts at communication.
"Met a girl on @bumble, went to The Race Lounge & Bar in Rajouri Garden. She ordered drinks and the bill was ₹15,886. Realised it was a scam. Discovered many people are scammed. @Cyberdost 1930 not working, @DelhiPolice please take action," the victim shared on X.
The emergence of such dating app scams raises concerns among users, emphasizing the need for caution in online interactions. While Bumble has not issued a public statement on the matter, its website outlines safety measures for users engaging in online dating:
- Always meet in a public place.
- Inform someone close about your whereabouts and expected return time.
- Conduct due diligence by obtaining last names and verifying profiles through features like photo verification.
- Avoid sharing private information, such as home or office addresses, early in the conversation.
- Initiate a pre-screening process, like a FaceTime or phone call.
- Feel free to politely leave a date if you feel uncomfortable or suspect any fraudulent activity.
