A software professional from Bengaluru fell victim to an elaborate scam that cost him nearly ₹7 lakh after connecting with a woman on a popular dating application. The incident, reported in November 2025, highlights the growing risks associated with online dating platforms.
The Costly Encounter
The victim, identified as Manjunath Shettar, met the woman through a dating app in what initially seemed like a genuine connection. However, the relationship took a devastating turn when she allegedly made away with valuables worth ₹6.89 lakh from his possession.
The stolen items included a 28-gram gold chain valued at ₹3.22 lakh, demonstrating the significant financial impact of the fraud. Additionally, the perpetrator took a 30-gram gold bracelet worth ₹3.45 lakh, substantially increasing the total loss.
Complete Inventory of Stolen Items
Beyond the primary gold jewelry, the thief also appropriated other valuable items during the encounter. The stolen goods included a gold-plated wristwatch valued at ₹12,000 and ₹10,000 in cash, bringing the total financial damage to ₹6.89 lakh.
This comprehensive theft suggests the scam was carefully planned and executed, targeting multiple high-value items in a single incident.
Growing Concerns About Dating App Safety
This case adds to the increasing number of financial fraud cases originating from dating applications in urban centers like Bengaluru. The city's tech-savvy population, often trusting of online connections, has become a prime target for sophisticated scammers.
The incident serves as a crucial reminder for dating app users to exercise caution when meeting strangers and to avoid sharing financial information or displaying valuable possessions during initial meetings.
Local authorities have been investigating the case since it was officially recorded on November 11, 2025, though specific details about the suspect remain undisclosed to protect the ongoing investigation.
