When a civil service aspirant swiped right on Tinder, he anticipated meeting someone special. Instead, he became the latest victim of a sophisticated scam, forced to pay an exorbitant ₹1.2 lakh bill at a Delhi café. This incident, involving the Black Mirror Café in East Delhi, highlights a disturbing trend of dating app scams sweeping across major Indian cities.
The Incident Unfolds
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, the victim, whose identity remains protected, arrived at the Black Mirror Café in Vikas Marg to celebrate the birthday of Versha, a woman he had recently matched with on Tinder. The evening began normally, with the pair ordering snacks, cakes, and non-alcoholic beverages. However, as the night progressed, Versha claimed a sudden family emergency and abruptly left the café.
Left alone, the victim received a shockingly inflated bill totaling ₹1,21,917.70—an amount far exceeding the cost of the modest meal they had. When he contested the bill, he was confined, threatened, and ultimately coerced into transferring the money online to one of the café’s owners, Akshay Pahwa.
The Investigation
Determined to seek justice, the victim reported the incident to the police. A four-member team led by Inspector Sanjay Gupta launched an investigation. Their efforts soon led to the arrest of Akshay Pahwa, who confessed to the scam and revealed the involvement of his co-owners Ansh Grover and Vansh Pahwa, as well as several employees, including “table managers” like Aryan.
Further probing uncovered the true identity of “Versha”—25-year-old Afsan Parveen, also known by aliases Ayesha and Noor. She was tracked down at another café, in the midst of a similar scam with a man she had met on Shaadi.com. Afsan’s interrogation exposed the intricate scheme, detailing how Aryan had posed as Versha to lure the victim.
Method of Operation Used:
The scam’s success relied on a well-coordinated effort among café owners, managers, and individuals posing as potential dates. Here’s how it worked:
- Profile Creation: “Table managers” created fake profiles on dating apps like Tinder and Shaadi.com, using attractive photos to lure unsuspecting victims.
- Invitation to Café: Once a connection was made, the victim was invited to a café under the pretext of celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
- Feigning Emergency: During the date, the scammer would suddenly leave, citing a family emergency, leaving the victim with the bill.
- Inflated Bill: The café presented an exorbitant bill, far beyond the actual cost of the meal.
- Coercion: If the victim refused to pay, they were threatened, confined, or even beaten until they complied.
Distribution of Scam Proceeds
The investigation revealed a structured distribution of the scam’s proceeds. Ms. Parveen received 15%, the table and café managers shared 45%, and the remaining 40% went to the café owners. This systematic approach ensured everyone involved received a share, motivating them to continue the deceitful practice.
This case is not isolated. Similar scams are reportedly operating in other major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The use of dating apps as a platform to trap victims is becoming increasingly common, leveraging the anonymity and vast user base these apps provide.
Why Are These Scams Increasing?
Several factors contribute to the rise of dating app scams in India:
- Growing Popularity of Dating Apps: With more people turning to apps like Tinder and Shaadi.com to find partners, scammers have a larger pool of potential victims.
- Anonymity and Ease of Access: Creating fake profiles is easy, allowing scammers to operate with relative impunity.
- Social Stigma: Men, particularly in conservative societies, often feel embarrassed or stigmatized when reporting such scams, making it easier for perpetrators to avoid detection.
- Lack of Awareness: Many users are unaware of the potential risks associated with online dating, making them more vulnerable to scams.
Protecting Yourself from Dating App Scams
Awareness and caution are crucial in avoiding such scams. Here are some tips:
- Verify Profiles: Before meeting someone in person, verify their identity through video calls or social media.
- Meet in Public Places: Always choose a public place for the first few dates.
- Be Wary of Unusual Requests: Be cautious if your date insists on visiting a specific location or makes sudden requests for money.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the dating app and local authorities immediately.
Summary
The incident at the Black Mirror Café serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online dating like Tinder. As dating apps continue to gain popularity, the potential for scams increases. It is essential for users to stay vigilant, exercise caution, and report any suspicious activities to protect themselves and others from falling victim to such deceitful schemes.
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