The Cyberabad Cyber Crime police caught a person involved in dating fraud. The person extorted Rs 4 lakh from a man by making a fake social media account.
Megaraj Dinesh, who lives in Vanasthalipuram in Rangareddy district, created a fake user ID using a woman’s profile on the ‘QuackQuack’ dating app. He pretended to be a woman named Swetha Shetty and tricked the victim into sending him money under false pretenses.
After receiving a complaint, the police investigated the case and registered it under various sections of the law. The fraudster is skilled at creating fake profiles on dating apps like QuackQuack, Tinder, Bumble, Cupid, and Indian Dating. He would pretend to be a girl, chat with the victim, and manipulate them by sending fake photos and other content.
The fraudster used the money he extorted in gaming and betting applications. The police advised people to be cautious when using dating apps and not to share personal information with strangers online. They also warned about red flags like asking for money quickly or refusing to meet in person.
If someone suspects they are being scammed, they should research the person’s details and report them to the dating platform and authorities. The police also suggested seeking support from friends, family, or counselors if someone has fallen victim to a dating scam.