New Delhi: A 67-year-old Delhi man was allegedly duped of ₹1.30 lakh after being lured through a fake profile on a dating app, with police alleging that his mobile phone was stolen during a meeting at a restaurant in Defence Colony and money was subsequently transferred from his bank accounts through UPI. The South-West Cyber Police Station has arrested two women in connection with the alleged fraud.
The accused have been identified as 26-year-old Jyotsna and 21-year-old Mansi, both residents of Delhi. Police have also recovered two mobile phones from their possession. Investigators found that a fake identity was allegedly created on a dating app to establish contact with the elderly victim and gain his confidence.
According to the police, Jyotsna created a fake profile on the dating application and used it to contact the 67-year-old man. After developing communication with him, she allegedly arranged meetings with him and subsequently involved her associate Mansi in the alleged scheme.
Investigators said the victim was contacted and met on July 20 and July 24. On July 24, the two women allegedly met him for dinner at a restaurant in Defence Colony. During or after the meeting, the victim’s mobile phone was allegedly stolen. The accused then allegedly accessed his banking facilities and transferred approximately ₹1.30 lakh from his accounts through UPI.
Police said the defrauded money was initially credited to the bank account of one accused before being transferred to another account. Investigators followed the banking trail and examined the movement of the money. The alleged withdrawal of a substantial amount by both women reportedly provided an important lead in identifying their involvement.
The police investigation relied on several forms of evidence, including banking records, KYC documents, CCTV footage and technical surveillance. Investigators examined the financial transactions and mobile-related activities connected with the suspected accounts and numbers before tracing the two accused.
During questioning, the police allegedly found that the accused had established contact with the victim through a fake dating app profile and subsequently arranged meetings to execute the alleged fraud. Investigators are now examining whether the two women were involved in similar incidents involving other victims and whether additional persons were part of the alleged network.
Dating app-related frauds have emerged as a growing concern, with criminals often using attractive or fictitious identities to establish relationships with potential victims. After gaining their confidence, victims may be invited to restaurants, pubs or other locations, where fraudsters allegedly exploit access to mobile phones, payment applications, cards or banking information.
In another recent incident discussed widely on social media, a young man claimed that his first date ended with a ₹20,500 bill after his date allegedly ordered expensive champagne, hookahs and food at a pub. The incident triggered an online discussion about dating etiquette and the need to remain cautious when meeting people through dating platforms.
Cybercrime investigators advise users to verify the identity of people they meet online and avoid sharing banking credentials, passwords, UPI PINs or other sensitive information. Mobile phones should also remain under the owner’s control during meetings, particularly when financial applications and payment services are accessible through the device.
Police are continuing their investigation into the alleged ₹1.30 lakh fraud and are examining the financial transactions, digital evidence and possible links of the accused with other cases. The allegations against the two women are yet to be established in court.
