Hyderabad police issue warning over ‘rent a boyfriend’ social media scam
New Delhi: Hyderabad Police have issued a warning to citizens regarding a new cyber fraud operating on social media under the name ‘Rent a Boyfriend’. The scam specifically targets young girls and women, luring them with fake or AI-generated profiles of attractive men offering temporary companionship.
Ads for the scam have been popping up on popular platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook, using names such as “Rent boyfriend-your personal companion”.
To attract victims, these pages advertise cheap packages. These include Rs 499 for a one-hour coffee date, Rs 1,249 for going to the movies, Rs 1,499 for a shopping trip, Rs 1,999 for attending events or weddings, and a full 10-hour package for Rs 4,499. The handlers promise total privacy and ask interested users to reach out directly message to book a slot.
Once a woman reaches out, the scammers engage in friendly chats to build trust before demanding money. They collect payments using digital wallets and QR codes under the pretext of booking confirmations or security deposits. The moment the transaction goes through, the account blocks the victim and vanishes.
A new dating trap for young women
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjana, IPS, flagged the issue and posted a public warning on X to alert people about the ongoing fraud.
“Feeling lonely? Want a handsome guy to have coffee with you, go to the movies with you? And that too with 50% off!” Sajjana wrote on his X handle. “Behind these colourful posters circulating on social media in the name of various offers lies a big cyber fraud. This is a new dating trap being set by cyber fraudsters, specifically targeting girls and young women.”
Cops urge caution against cyber fraudsters
Police have warned people not to share personal information, phone numbers, or photos with strangers online. Doing so leaves victims open to severe risks like extortion and blackmail. Cops also strongly advise against scheduling in-person meetings with unknown individuals met on social platforms.
The Cyber Crime wing of Hyderabad Police has taken note of these digital advertisements and promised strict action against those involved. Anyone who falls victim to a digital scam should report it immediately through the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the national cybercrime reporting portal.