New Delhi: A new form of cyber fraud involving online companionship and friendship services has emerged, with cyber criminals allegedly using social media platforms to lure women and young people through advertisements offering “Rent-a-Boyfriend” services. The advertisements, circulated on platforms such as Instagram, Telegram and Facebook, offer companionship for coffee dates, movies, weddings and other social events. Some advertisements reportedly promote packages starting at ₹499 for a coffee meeting.
Cyber experts warn that the fraud may extend beyond financial losses. After establishing trust through online conversations, criminals may attempt to obtain personal information, photographs and videos from victims. Such material could subsequently be used for blackmail or other forms of cybercrime.
Scam begins with social media advertisements
The alleged scammers first post attractive advertisements or profiles featuring photographs of young men and offer companionship at relatively low prices. Once an individual expresses interest, the conversation is shifted to direct messages.
The interaction may then be moved from Instagram to private messaging platforms such as Telegram, Signal or WhatsApp. According to cyber experts, this is often when the alleged fraud begins. The person behind the profile initially attempts to establish familiarity and trust before demanding money for booking confirmation, security deposits or advance payments.
QR codes and digital wallets used for payments
Victims may subsequently receive QR codes, digital wallet details or other online payment options to transfer the requested amount. After receiving the money, the alleged scammers may stop responding and block the victim.
According to figures cited by cyber officials, around 24 complaints related to such scams have been registered since January 2026, involving losses of nearly ₹3.5 lakh. Officials have cautioned that the actual number of victims could be higher because some people may hesitate to report such incidents due to embarrassment or social pressure.
Private photographs can lead to blackmail
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said online dating and companionship scams can involve risks beyond financial fraud. Criminals may first establish emotional trust and then persuade victims to share private photographs or videos, which could later be used to threaten or blackmail them.
He advised people not to share private photographs, videos, addresses, phone numbers, locations or details about daily routines with strangers online. Relying only on a profile photograph, name or online conversation to establish someone’s identity can be risky.
How to identify suspicious profiles
Experts say several warning signs should raise suspicion, including strangers becoming overly familiar within a short period, repeatedly avoiding video calls, providing inconsistent personal information, using newly created profiles and displaying suspicious or potentially AI-generated photographs.
Repeated pressure to meet privately, demands for secrecy, requests for private photographs and requests for financial assistance should also be treated as warning signs. Users should avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading APK files received from unknown online contacts.
Online friendship scams can lead to serious crimes
The threat associated with online friendships is not limited to “Rent-a-Boyfriend” advertisements. In a case reported from Nagpur, a minor girl allegedly came into contact with a man through a fake Instagram profile. After developing a friendship, the accused allegedly obtained her private photographs and later used them to blackmail her. Police subsequently traced the accused using digital technology.
In another case, an alleged human trafficking network reportedly used attractive job advertisements on social media to lure vulnerable young women. Such cases demonstrate how criminals can use online interactions to establish trust before attempting to exploit victims.
APK files and suspicious links pose another threat
Other cyber fraud cases have also highlighted the dangers of downloading suspicious files and APK applications. In one case, an engineer at a tractor manufacturing company allegedly lost ₹15 lakh after downloading a file received through a fake traffic challan message. In another case, an elderly woman was allegedly defrauded of ₹8 lakh after receiving a fake message regarding an unpaid gas bill and downloading an APK file.
Cyber experts say users should be particularly cautious when an online acquaintance quickly attempts to move a conversation toward personal information or financial transactions. Any online companionship, dating or friendship offer involving advance payments should be independently verified before money is transferred.
People who become victims of cyber fraud should immediately contact 1930 and report the incident through the national cybercrime reporting system. Prompt reporting can improve the chances of tracing or freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering the money.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
