A concerning trend of dating app scams is emerging, with at least two recent cases gaining attention on social media. Both instances involve men allegedly coerced into footing exorbitant restaurant bills after meeting their matches on dating apps.
In Pune, a man found himself shocked by a bill totaling ₹22,000 after meeting his date at a local bar. The expenses included a ₹10,000 hukka, ₹15,000 wine bottle, and a ₹1,500 wine glass. The woman reportedly threatened physical harm if he refused to pay, leaving him with no choice but to settle the bill. A similar incident unfolded in Delhi, where a 25-year-old man claimed to have been scammed of over ₹15,000 at a bar in Rajouri Garden. Despite facing card payment issues, he paid the inflated bill, only to discover the woman vanished from the dating app, ignoring his attempts to contact her.
The rise in such dating app scams raises concerns about user safety. Activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj highlighted the Pune incident on social media, prompting discussions on the vulnerability of users to financial exploitation.
While Bumble, a popular dating app, has not issued a public statement, its website emphasizes safety measures for users engaging in online dating. These include meeting in public places, informing someone trustworthy of the date details, conducting due diligence on potential matches, avoiding sharing private information too quickly, suggesting a pre-screen via FaceTime or phone call, and always having the option to politely leave the date.
As the incidents gain visibility, users are urged to exercise caution and be vigilant in their interactions on dating apps to avoid falling victim to scams. The dating app industry faces growing scrutiny to enhance safety measures and protect users from financial exploitation.
Sources By Agencies