Hyderabad Police warn women against ‘rent a boyfriend’ dating scam
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have warned women and young adults against online dating scams operating under the guise of ‘rent a boyfriend’ services, where
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have warned women and young adults against online dating scams operating under the guise of ‘rent a boyfriend’ services, where fraudsters use fake profiles and discounted companionship packages to extract money and potentially blackmail victims. According to the advisory issued by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Saturday, scammers are promoting such services on Instagram, Telegram and Facebook using attractive posters offering coffee meetings, movie dates, shopping companions and event escorts.
The fraudsters allegedly use AI-generated or internet-sourced photographs to create profiles of attractive men and claim to offer safe and confidential companionship. Once contacted, they engage users in friendly conversations before demanding advance payments towards booking fees, security deposits or other charges. After receiving money through digital wallets or QR codes, the fraudsters allegedly block the victims and disappear.
Police warned that the scams could also expose victims to physical safety risks, blackmail and cyber extortion, particularly if personal details, phone numbers or private photographs are shared during conversations. The Cyber Crime Police advised people not to interact with unverified profiles, meet strangers contacted online or transfer money to unknown accounts. Parents were also urged to remain vigilant about their children’s online activities.
Victims or those encountering suspicious posts can report them through the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The BriefWire