‘Rent boyfriend’ trap: How fake dating advertisement are cheating women online
New Delhi: The Hyderabad Police have warned women and young girls about “boyfriends for rent” scam that is spreading on social media. It said that the cyber criminals are using attractive online ads to trick people into sharing their personal information and sending money.
VC Sajjanar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, also warned people about the scam on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said eye catching posters offering companion services and fake discounts are being used as a cover to carry out cyber fraud.
Attractive profiles and fake dates used to trick women online
Fraudsters are putting up advertisements on Instagram, Facebook and Telegram using names like “Rent Boyfriend Your Personal Companion”. The posts usually carry pictures of attractive men which are either created with artificial intelligence or taken from other people’s online profiles. They also promise services such as coffee dates movie outings and shopping trips.
When a woman or young girl contact them to book a service, the scammers first gain her trust through conversation. They then ask for advance payments in the name of registration fees safety deposits or booking charges. The money is usually collected through QR codes and digital payment apps. After receiving the payment the scammers block the victim and stop responding.
Sajjanar urges parents to keep track of children’s online activities
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has warned women girls and parents to stay alert. He said parents should be aware of what their children are watching on social media who they are talking to and whom they are meeting outside. He also stressed that keeping an eye on smartphone use can help protect young people from such online scams.
Police also warned that sharing phone numbers photos or personal details with unknown and unverified accounts can put people at risk of blackmail harassment and even physical danger if they decide to meet such people in person. Authorities have advised people to avoid talking to unknown profiles online and never make advance payments for such services. Anyone who notices suspicious activity or becomes a victim of cyber fraud should report it immediately by calling the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or by visiting the official national cybercrime portal.
(Curated by: Amber Rashid Shah)