Bengaluru — A distressing episode has unfolded in Horamavu after a 63-year-old man was conned into parting with ₹3.2 million in an elaborate online romance scheme. The victim approached the East CEN Crime Police after recognising he had been lured by promises of high-end introductions.
The fraud began with a WhatsApp message from an individual claiming to represent a “high-society dating agency.” Enticed by access to affluent matches, the man paid a supposed registration fee of ₹1,950. He was then shown photographs of three women and asked to pick one. Choosing a woman who called herself ‘Ritika’, he entered weeks of messaging and video chats that bolstered the illusion of a genuine connection.
As the relationship deepened, another contact using the name ‘Priti’ joined the exchanges, presenting herself as someone handling travel and logistical arrangements. The victim was repeatedly asked for further sums described as verification, coordination and travel charges. Over several weeks he transferred money into various accounts, ultimately sending ₹3.2 million. When he resisted further requests, the suspects allegedly issued threats, and the man reported the matter to police.
Investigators have registered a case under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for offences including cheating, impersonation and fraud. Officials are probing the bank accounts involved and tracing the flow of funds across state lines.
The incident reflects a growing pattern of romance scams that exploit messaging apps, synthetic media and voice-cloning tools to construct convincing fake identities. Comparable cons have surfaced in other urban centres such as Delhi, where dating platforms have been misused to extract money and emotional trust.
Cybersecurity specialists caution that many of these schemes deploy AI-generated profile images, bogus agency covers and emotionally manipulative narratives to persuade victims to transfer funds under false pretences.
Bengaluru Police have issued a public advisory urging people not to send money to individuals or groups claiming to offer matchmaking or dating services via WhatsApp or other messaging apps. They recommend verifying services through official websites and government-registered portals before making any payments.
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