From Dating App Traps To Cyber Threats: How Bengaluru Men Were Blackmailed And Cheated Of Lakhs With Fake Profiles

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 17:56 IST

Cyber police have urged dating app users to avoid sharing private or sensitive information and to remain alert to any form of financial or emotional pressure from strangers online

Young men were allegedly lured by strangers posing as romantic interests, only to be blackmailed or cheated out of lakhs of rupees through nude video extortion, fake call girl bookings and a bogus stock market investment scheme. (Image: Getty)

What begins as a harmless swipe, a casual chat or a late-night video call is quickly turning into a costly mistake for some dating app users in Bengaluru. In three separate incidents, young men were allegedly lured by strangers posing as romantic interests, only to be blackmailed or cheated out of lakhs of rupees through nude video extortion, fake call girl bookings and a bogus stock market investment scheme.

The victims, exhausted by constant threats and mounting financial losses, have now approached the Whitefield Cyber Police Station, prompting fresh warnings from authorities about the growing misuse of dating apps and social media platforms by online fraudsters.

In one case, a 26-year-old private company employee from Marathahalli downloaded the Tinder dating app on January 3 and created a profile. He soon connected with a woman identifying herself as ‘Saanvi’, and the two exchanged phone numbers and began chatting.

Later the same day, ‘Saanvi’ initiated a WhatsApp video call, during which she appeared nude and allegedly encouraged the man to do the same. The video call lasted a few minutes, during which the woman reportedly recorded the man without his knowledge.

On January 4, the victim received the recorded video on WhatsApp along with threats that it would be made public unless money was paid. Fearing exposure, the man transferred Rs 5.14 lakh from two bank accounts and a credit card. When further demands were made, he filed a police complaint.

In another case, a 25-year-old man lost Rs 1.47 lakh after joining a Telegram group named Dating Girls on January 2. A stranger shared a photograph of a woman and asked for Rs 2,500 as an advance booking amount, which the victim paid.

When the man later asked for a refund, the fraudster allegedly threatened to morph images into obscene content and circulate them online. Under pressure, the victim transferred Rs 1.47 lakh in instalments before approaching the police.

Fake Stock Market Investment Trap

In a third case, a 37-year-old man lost Rs 37.99 lakh after meeting a woman named Harshita on a dating app. After a few days of conversation, she allegedly persuaded him to invest in the stock market, promising high returns.

Trusting her, the complainant transferred money in stages to multiple bank accounts. He later realised he had been cheated and filed a complaint after a delay, police said.

Police Advisory for Dating App Users

Cyber police have urged users to exercise caution while using dating apps and social media platforms. They advised the public to avoid sharing private or sensitive information and to remain alert to any form of financial or emotional pressure from strangers online.

Authorities are investigating all three cases and tracking the bank accounts and digital trails linked to the fraudsters.

How To Keep Your Privacy Intact During Online Dating

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