Hyderabad Police Warn Against 'Rent A Boyfriend' Online Dating Scams

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have issued a public advisory warning women and young adults against fraudulent online dating schemes operating under the guise of "rent a boyfriend" services in the city. According to an advisory released by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Saturday, scammers are using fake social media profiles and discounted companionship packages to extract money from victims and potentially subject them to blackmail.

Police reported that fraudsters are actively promoting these services across multiple online platforms, including Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook. The scammers post attractive promotional advertisements offering a wide range of social companion options, such as companions for coffee meetings, movie dates, shopping trips, and event escorts.

To deceive targets, the perpetrators allegedly make use of artificial intelligence-generated images or photographs gathered from the internet to construct profiles of attractive men. Through these profiles, the fraudsters claim to offer safe, secure, and completely confidential companionship services to interested individuals.

Once contacted by unsuspecting users, the fraudsters engage them in friendly, casual conversations to gain their trust. After establishing contact, they demand advance payments towards booking fees, security deposits, or other related charges before any meeting can take place.

Upon receiving funds transferred through digital wallets or scanned QR codes, the fraudsters allegedly block the victims immediately and disappear. Authorities emphasized that these fraudulent operations pose serious threats beyond direct monetary losses. The police warned that victims face potential physical safety risks, blackmail, and cyber extortion, particularly if personal details, mobile phone numbers, or private photographs were shared during their initial online conversations.

In response to the growing threat, the Cyber Crime Police have advised citizens not to interact with unverified profiles, refrain from meeting strangers contacted online, and never transfer money to unknown accounts or digital payment codes. Parents have also been urged to remain vigilant about their children's online interactions and activities.

Victims who have lost money to these fraudulent schemes or individuals who encounter suspicious "rent a boyfriend" posts online are encouraged to report them immediately. Complaints can be lodged by contacting the dedicated cybercrime helpline at 1930 or by submitting details on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.