The rapidly increasing cases of Online Romance Scams in India have raised concerns among cybersecurity agencies. Recently, a 63-year-old man from Bengaluru was defrauded of ₹32.2 lakh on the pretext of dating through WhatsApp. Experts have urged people to remain vigilant and keep their distance from suspicious contacts.
Online Romance Scam: A 63-year-old man in Bengaluru was defrauded of ₹32.2 lakh under the guise of romance on WhatsApp. Cybercriminals, posing as representatives of a high-profile dating service, first extorted money from the victim for a registration fee, and then for membership, legal fees, and travel expenses. In recent months, there has been a rapid increase in such Online Romance Fraud cases across the country, prompting cybersecurity agencies to advise caution.
₹32 Lakh Defrauded Under the Guise of Romance on WhatsApp
In India, the Online Romance Scam has now become a new and rapidly spreading cybercrime threat. Recently, a 63-year-old individual in Bengaluru fell victim to it, losing ₹32.2 lakh under the pretext of dating on WhatsApp. This case is a fresh example of the extent to which cyber fraudsters are now exploiting emotions.
According to reports, a fraudster contacted the victim on WhatsApp, posing as a representative of a “high-profile dating service.” A registration fee of ₹1,950 was demanded, and photos of three women were sent. The conversation progressed, and the victim maintained contact with one of the women. Within a few days, a relationship of trust was established, after which millions of rupees were extorted under the guise of membership upgrades, legal documents, and travel expenses.
How the Web of Online Romance Scams is Spreading
Cyber experts state that the web of romance scams is rapidly spreading on WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Fraudsters first gain trust, then exploit emotional attachment to demand money. Often, they extort more money by blackmailing their victims or threatening legal action.
With increasing digital connectivity in India, the number of these crimes has risen. In recent months, there has been a significant surge in cases of Digital Arrest Scams and Online Romance Fraud. The police and cyber cell are continuously warning people to verify the authenticity of any unknown contact before trusting them.
Experts' Advice
According to cybersecurity experts, in romance scams, fraudsters primarily target individuals aged 35 to 65 who are active on social media or chat apps. Often, they try to gain trust by using foreign names and profile photos.
Experts advise against ever sending money or bank details to an unknown person. Do not share your personal information, OTPs, or photos, and use video calls to verify identity.
If anyone suspects an Online Love Trap, they should immediately file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting quickly increases the chances of tracing the money and can help save others.
Rising Cases Raise Concerns
In recent months, numerous such cases have emerged at cyber police stations across the country where victims have lost between ₹5 lakh and ₹40 lakh. Often, victims do not even file a complaint due to shame or social fear. This further strengthens the criminals' network.
According to government data, online fraud cases in India have seen up to a 30% increase, with a significant portion falling under the romance scam category.
