As cyber fraud techniques continue to evolve alongside technology, a dangerous new scam is emerging—this time through dating apps. Cybercriminals are exploiting emotional connections to deceive victims and con them out of large sums of money through fake investment schemes. With such cases on the rise, it’s crucial to understand how this scam works and how to stay safe.

The New Face of Cybercrime: Romance Meets Investment Fraud

According to the latest case reported by Faridabad Cyber Police, fraudsters are now using dating platforms to build trust with unsuspecting users and lure them into bogus investment opportunities. This particular case led to the arrest of two individuals from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, identified as Satyam and Raj Kapoor.

The duo managed to dupe a local resident out of over ₹1 crore by promising high investment returns—a classic case of emotional manipulation blended with financial fraud.

How the Scam Works

1. Initial Contact: The victim first connected with a woman via a popular dating app.

2. Chat Migration: Conversations quickly shifted to WhatsApp, a common tactic to bypass platform monitoring.

3. Fake Trading Platform: The woman introduced the victim to a trading platform, sending a suspicious app link and assisting in registration.

4. False Profits: The victim was led to believe their investments were generating profits, prompting further deposits.

5. The Catch: When the victim attempted to withdraw funds, they were told to pay a “clearance fee” of ₹24 lakh to release their returns.

In total, the victim transferred ₹1,10,85,600 to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

Why These Scams Are Hard to Detect

Fraudsters use premium features on dating apps to make their fake profiles appear more credible. They may use:

• Attractive profile pictures stolen from real accounts

• Professionally written bios

• Active chat patterns to build emotional connections

Some dating platforms fail to verify these profiles properly, allowing scammers to operate freely.

How to Protect Yourself from Dating App Scams

• Verify Profiles: Before engaging with someone, check their background thoroughly. Look for inconsistencies in photos, bios, and responses.

• Avoid Sharing Personal Info: Never reveal financial details, passwords, or government ID information to online acquaintances.

• Be Skeptical of Investment Tips: If someone you just met online starts offering financial advice or asks you to invest, treat it as a red flag.

• Report Suspicious Activity: If anything seems off, report the profile to the dating app and contact your local cybercrime unit immediately.

Scammers are now blending emotional manipulation with financial fraud—using platforms designed for love to trap their victims in high-stakes cons. As dating apps continue to grow in popularity, so does the importance of digital vigilance. Always think twice before trusting someone online, especially when money is involved.