Hyderabad Police warn women against ‘rent a boyfriend’ dating scam
Hyderabad Police have issued a warning regarding 'rent a boyfriend' dating scams that use fake profiles to extort money from victims. The scammers use social media to lure users into paying for fake companionship services.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and financial fraud targeting individuals through social media platforms.
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.
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