Cyber Crime
Rs 16,400 for a Cold Drink? Ghaziabad Dating Scam Exposes Shocking Fraud!
Delhi: A man’s quest for love took a harrowing turn as he found himself entangled in a Ghaziabad dating scam involving a hefty bill and a near-kidnapping.
The man received an invitation for a date over WhatsApp, which led him to Kaushambi metro station in Ghaziabad. Anticipating a romantic evening, he was instead led into a well-crafted trap. He was escorted by the woman to Tiger Cafe, located on the first floor of Kaushambi Hotel. However, the lack of an online presence or even a signboard for the cafe quickly raised his suspicions. Concerned, he shared his live location with a friend and sent a quick message.
His unease intensified when he attempted to leave and was presented with a shocking bill of Rs.16,400 for a single cold drink ordered by his date. When he questioned the exorbitant charge, he was forcibly detained and pressured to pay Rs.50,000.
The friend, alerted by his messages, promptly contacted the police, triggering an intervention. Swift police action exposed the dating scam, revealing a group of eight—five women and three men—operating the scheme. The women, four of whom were from Delhi with profiles on various dating apps, would lure men to Tiger Cafe, where they’d be subjected to inflated bills for basic food and drink items and held captive until they paid up.
Thanks to the police’s quick response, the man was freed, and all eight suspects were arrested. An FIR was filed based on the man’s complaint. “Further action is underway,” confirmed ACP Swatantra Singh of Indirapuram.