Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Bengaluru Man Loses Over Rs 32 Lakh in WhatsApp Dating Scam
A man in Bengaluru lost a lot of money, over 32 lakh rupees, because of a scam on WhatsApp.
Some people pretended to run a special dating service that promised to introduce him to fancy women.
First, they asked for a small fee to sign up.
Then, they showed him pictures and he picked one, and they started talking on WhatsApp.
The scammers then kept asking for more and more money for different reasons, like 'fees' and 'coordination costs,' all to supposedly set up a meeting.
He kept paying them for weeks, believing he was going to meet someone.
When he finally hesitated to pay more, they threatened him, and that's when he knew he was tricked.
He told the police, and they are now trying to find the scammers and get the money back.
A 63-year-old man from Bengaluru has been defrauded of over ₹32 lakh in a WhatsApp dating scam.
Fraudsters used a fake exclusive dating service to lure the victim with promises of meetings with 'high-society women.'
The scam involved escalating payments for registration, coordination, membership upgrades, and service costs.
The victim realized he was scammed after threats were made when he hesitated to make further payments.
A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and cheating charges.
- Who
- A 63-year-old man from Horamavu, East Bengaluru, and unknown fraudsters.
- What
- The victim was defrauded of over Rs 32 lakh in a WhatsApp dating scam, lured by promises of meetings with elite women.
- When
- Between September 5 and October 18, with the complaint filed on October 23.
- Where
- Bengaluru (Horamavu) and online via WhatsApp.
- Why
- The victim was induced to pay various escalating fees under the pretense of arranging meetings with women through a dating service.
Victim's Perspective
Scammers' Tactics
Initial Lure
Victim's Perspective
The victim was contacted by individuals representing an exclusive dating service promising meetings with 'high-society women.'
Scammers' Tactics
Scammers used the guise of an exclusive dating service to lure the victim with promises of introductions to elite women.
Escalating Payments
Victim's Perspective
The victim was asked to pay a registration fee, followed by various charges for coordination, membership upgrades, and service costs, all believed to be necessary to arrange a meeting.
Scammers' Tactics
Scammers repeatedly demanded money for fabricated charges such as processing fees, coordination expenses, membership upgrades, and service costs to create a sense of progress towards the promised meeting.
Realization of Scam
Victim's Perspective
The victim realized he was being scammed when he hesitated to make further payments and was subsequently threatened.
Scammers' Tactics
Scammers resorted to threats when the victim showed hesitation in making further payments, at which point the victim understood he was being deceived.
- Victim's Age
- 63
- Location
- Horamavu, East Bengaluru
- Loss Amount
- ₹32.2 lakh
- Scam Period
- September 5 to October 18
- Complaint Date
- October 23
- Platform Used
- Legal Charges
- Information Technology Act and Section 318 (cheating) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
