A 24-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru lost INR 1.4 lakh after falling prey to a fake call‑girl scam orchestrated via Telegram, the Deccan Herald reported. The techie clicked on a link purportedly connecting him to an escort, initiating a financial trap that spiralled into repeated extortion.
The victim, identified as Karthik (name changed), clicked on a Telegram message leading to a profile of a woman named “Ishani Reddy.” The initial INR 400 payment was framed as a booking confirmation. After compliance, his location was tracked and further demands followed, each leading to higher charges and promises that the money would be refunded once the service arrived.
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Layered Scam With Rising Charges
Soon, the transactions escalated: INR 6,900 as a bogus “security deposit,” followed by two instalments of INR 9,500 for activation. When Karthik attempted to cancel, a “cancellation fee” of INR 7,590 was imposed, followed by additional “GST charges” and other invented fees. Each accusation was portrayed as refundable, but the scamsters repeatedly delayed refunds while escalating threats, including promises of public exposure.
By the time he sensed fraud, the cumulative losses had reached INR 1,40,000. Intoxicated by coercion and fear, Karthik reported the incident to the Bengaluru Cyber Crime Cell. Police have registered a case under the IT Act and BNS Act for cheating and extortion.
Broader Warning: The Rise of Adult-Service Scams
This incident is part of a broader pattern. Similar stories—like a 29-year-old techie losing INR 1.4 lakh while trying to book an escort online, and a different Bengaluru professional losing INR 55 lakh to a scam disguised as matchmaking and cryptocurrency advice—underscore the increasing sophistication of adult-service scams. Fraudsters exploit shame and urgency to coerce repeated payments using a cycle of trust, fear, and fabricated documentation.
Authorities urge citizens to avoid clicking links offering companionship or intimate services online, especially via Telegram or unverified websites. “Escort booking platforms are often fronts for scams. If someone requests fees in stages and promises refunds, it’s likely a trap,” said a Bengaluru Cyber Crime official.