Hyderabad Government Employee Loses Rs 25 Lakh in Sophisticated Online Dating Scam
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 51-year-old government employee from Badangpet, Hyderabad, was allegedly duped of Rs 25 lakh by criminals posing as administrators of an online dating platform. The victim, a divorcee with no children, was actively seeking a partner for marriage when he fell prey to this elaborate scam.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Initial Contact to Financial Exploitation
The fraudulent activity began on February 4, when the victim was first contacted through a Telegram handle named ‘@Flirtify6884bot’. He explained, "I am a divorcee with no children and was looking for a woman to marry." The scammers presented him with photographs of multiple women for online dating, and after he selected one, he was introduced to an individual using the handle ‘@Shreya_15’.
This person claimed to be from Karmanghat and coerced the victim into joining two dating sites: Flirtifydatingclub.cc and Romantic-Mine. Upon registration, he was instructed to complete a two-step verification process that required an initial payment of Rs 10,000. Subsequently, the fraudsters alleged that he had made an error during the registration and demanded a refundable penalty of Rs 2.5 lakh.
Escalation of Fraud Through Emotional Blackmail
Police reports indicate that the pattern of exploitation continued, with the fraudsters posing as a woman and employing emotional blackmail tactics. They forced the victim to pay additional amounts to maintain his membership on the dating sites. Detailed bank statements submitted by the complainant reveal a staggering 41 transactions between February 12 and 27, directed to various bank accounts and UPI IDs controlled by the fraudsters, totaling Rs 25 lakh.
As the accused persistently demanded more payments instead of returning the previously paid fees, the victim eventually realized he had been deceived. He approached the police on Thursday to report the crime.
Legal Action and Broader Implications
Based on the complaint, authorities have registered a case under Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act, along with Sections 318(4) for cheating and 319(2) for cheating by personation under the BNS. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud in India, particularly through online dating platforms, where emotional manipulation is used to extract large sums of money.
Experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly common, targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship. Victims are often lured with fake profiles and then trapped through complex financial demands. The Hyderabad police are intensifying efforts to combat cybercrime, urging the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of online interactions.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with digital dating and the importance of cybersecurity awareness. As technology advances, so do the tactics of fraudsters, making it crucial for users to stay informed and report suspicious activities promptly.
