Bengaluru Man Loses Rs 32 Lakh in WhatsApp Romance Scam
A 63-year-old man from Bengaluru’s Horamavu area lost Rs 32.2 lakh to sophisticated fraudsters posing as agents of an elite dating service. The elaborate scam, which ran from September 5 to October 18, involved fake WhatsApp profiles and emotional manipulation before being reported to East CEN Crime Police.
Key Takeaways
- Victim paid Rs 32.2 lakh over six weeks to fake dating service agents
- Scammers used emotional manipulation through continuous WhatsApp chats
- Police have filed case under IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim was first approached by someone claiming to operate a private dating agency that could arrange meetings with “elite women.” To establish credibility, the fraudsters requested a small registration fee of Rs 1,950, which the man paid online.
After this initial payment, the scammers sent photos of three women via WhatsApp and asked him to choose one. He selected “Ritika,” who then began regular conversations with him. Over time, their chats turned affectionate, creating a false sense of intimacy and trust.
The Escalating Demands
Just before Dussehra, Ritika claimed she was traveling to her hometown and introduced another “coordinator” named Priti to arrange their meeting. This triggered a series of escalating financial demands including:
- Processing fees
- Service charges
- Various other fabricated expenses
The victim transferred money to multiple bank accounts as instructed, but each payment only led to more demands. When he refused to send additional funds, the fraudsters changed tactics and threatened him with “legal consequences” to extract more money.
Aftermath and Police Action
By the time the victim realized he was being scammed, he had already transferred Rs 32.2 lakh. The police have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Cybersecurity experts warn that such romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using psychological manipulation and digital tools to target vulnerable individuals. Authorities advise citizens to verify online dating services thoroughly, avoid sharing personal details with strangers, and report suspicious accounts immediately to prevent financial losses.
