The scam’s modus operandi begins with women quickly matching with men on dating apps and suggesting immediate meetups at specific venues.Once there, the women order costly items, often not listed on the menu, before abruptly leaving under various pretexts. The men are then left to foot exorbitant bills, with some reporting threats from club staff when they object.
Bhardwaj claims the scam is widespread, with at least 10 men falling victim daily at a single club. The women involved allegedly receive 15-20% of the bill as commission, suggesting an organised operation possibly involving nightclub management.
Despite numerous cyber complaints filed by victims, the scam continues unabated across multiple venues in Mumbai. The Godfather Club in Andheri West has been identified as a prominent location for these fraudulent activities, though other establishments are also implicated.
Many victims have hesitated to report incidents to authorities, fearing personal exposure.
Similar incidents have been reported across major Indian cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. In June, a man in Delhi fell victim to a similar scam, resulting in a staggering ₹1.2 lakh bill.
Mumbai Police have stated that senior officials at the relevant police station have been informed and an investigation is underway. Authorities suspect a broader network of nightclubs employing PR personnel to hire women for baiting men on dating apps.
As investigations continue, dating app users are advised to exercise caution when meeting matches, especially at unfamiliar or high-end establishments.
