Mumbai Dating App Scam : Mumbai's Godfather Club Under Investigation for Exploiting Men

Beware of Mumbai dating app scam! Men are being lured to cafes like The Godfather Club and forced to pay exorbitant bills after being tricked on fraud dates.

In the age of digital connections, dating apps have made meeting new people easier than ever. However, as the world of online dating grows, so do the risks. A disturbing scam that has emerged in Mumbai is leaving men not only emotionally exploited but also financially drained. Reports have surfaced of men being lured into fancy restaurants, only to be left with exorbitant bills, in a growing trend known as the “scam date.”

The latest incident that has caught public attention involves a man who was scammed out of a massive ₹ 61,000 after being invited to The Godfather Club in Mumbai’s Andheri West. What initially seemed like an innocent date quickly turned into a nightmare, one that is becoming all too common in Mumbai’s social scene.

The Modus Operandi: How the Scam Works

The scam typically starts on popular dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, or OKCupid. Unsuspecting men connect with women who appear eager to meet up in person after a brief online interaction. The women then suggest meeting at high-end venues such as The Godfather Club. This venue and similar establishments in Mumbai have now gained notoriety for being hotspots in these elaborate scams.

Once the man agrees to the date, they meet at the chosen location. The women, often well-prepared, order a series of high-priced items such as premium liquor, hookah, or other luxury items. Crucially, these items are often not listed on the regular menu, preventing the men from realizing just how much they are about to be charged. As the evening progresses, the women suddenly claim an emergency and leave the venue abruptly, leaving their date to foot the bill.

What happens next is the most shocking part of the scam. The men, already embarrassed and confused by their date’s sudden departure, are handed an eye-watering bill, sometimes ranging from ₹ 23,000 to ₹ 61,000. If they question the charges or refuse to pay, they are threatened by the staff or bouncers at the venue, forcing them to settle the bill out of fear of potential violence or further humiliation.

The Viral Exposure: How the Scam Came to Light

This fraudulent scheme recently came to the public’s attention when activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj shared a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Her post highlighted the experiences of several men who had fallen victim to this scam, and included photos of the outrageous receipts they were forced to pay.

In her post, Ms. Bhardwaj detailed how these men were tricked through dating apps and lured into expensive situations without their knowledge. She revealed that this is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a much larger operation involving multiple nightclubs in Mumbai. According to her post, these establishments employ PR personnel who actively hire women to bait men on dating apps, luring them into their financial traps.

The Godfather Club Under Investigation

Following the viral exposure of these incidents, The Godfather Club in Andheri West has come under investigation. The establishment is now being scrutinized for its alleged involvement in the scam, with authorities attempting to uncover how deeply the club may be tied to this exploitative practice. It is also suspected that other venues in Mumbai are engaging in similar tactics, further widening the scope of the investigation.

The practice of baiting men with the promise of a date and then leaving them to face astronomical bills is not just financially damaging; it’s emotionally scarring. Many victims feel embarrassed and humiliated by the experience, which can deter them from reporting the incident to the police. However, with growing awareness, more victims are coming forward, sharing their stories in the hopes of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Mumbai Dating app Scam – The Impact on Victims

The financial losses are staggering for many of these men, with bills often amounting to tens of thousands of rupees. But beyond the financial toll, the emotional impact of these scams is equally significant. Victims are left feeling deceived and violated, their trust in both online dating and the social venues shattered. The manipulation they experience leaves them embarrassed, making it difficult to seek help or even acknowledge what has happened.

What makes this scam particularly insidious is the way it preys on people’s emotions and vulnerabilities. The scammers exploit the excitement and anticipation of meeting someone new, only to turn it into a situation of intimidation and fear.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Scam Dates

While dating apps remain a popular way to meet new people, users need to be cautious. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to these types of dating app scams:

Research the Venue: Before agreeing to meet at a suggested location, check reviews and do a quick search online to see if the place has a history of questionable practices.
Keep Control of the Situation: Be mindful of what is being ordered and insist on knowing the cost upfront, especially if items don’t appear on the menu.
Suggest the Venue: Take control of the date location by suggesting a place you are familiar with, rather than agreeing to a venue you’ve never heard of.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to end the date early or suggest a different arrangement.

The Way Forward

As investigations continue, it’s crucial that authorities crack down on such scams and hold those responsible accountable. Dating apps must also take steps to ensure their platforms are not being used for predatory purposes. By increasing awareness and encouraging victims to come forward, we can help put an end to this manipulative and financially draining practice.