Pune Man Duped of ₹1.35 Lakh in Online Dating Scam: A Cautionary Tale for Digital Romance Seekers

In a shocking case that highlights the dark side of online dating, a 43-year-old man from Pune lost ₹1.35 lakh in a scam that began with a seemingly innocent chat on a dating app. The incident has once again raised concerns about the increasing number of cyber frauds preying on people looking for love and companionship online.

The victim, a resident of the Warje area, started chatting with a woman claiming to be from the United Kingdom. What started as casual messages turned into daily conversations, eventually moving to a private messaging platform. It didn’t take long for the woman to claim that she was traveling to India to meet him in person.

She informed him that she had landed at Delhi airport but had been detained by customs officials for carrying foreign currency and expensive gifts. Claiming she was in trouble, she asked for help. A person posing as a customs agent also got in touch with the victim, requesting money for clearance, customs penalties, and other formalities. Trusting her and concerned about her situation, the man transferred ₹1.35 lakh in multiple payments.

However, the demands didn’t stop. When the requests for more money continued and the woman couldn’t be reached, the man realized he had been scammed. He then approached the Warje Malwadi police and filed a complaint.

Police have registered a case under sections 419 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and they are working to trace the people behind the scam.

Speaking to the media, a senior officer from the Pune Cyber Cell said, “Romance scams like these are often executed by well-organized gangs operating from different parts of the world. They prey on people’s emotions, especially when they feel lonely or are looking for a connection.”

The Pune case is not an isolated one. In recent months, similar scams have been reported across India, especially in urban areas where dating apps are becoming more common. Fraudsters use fake profiles with attractive photos and compelling stories to build emotional connections before asking for money under false pretenses.

Experts believe that many victims avoid reporting such cases due to embarrassment or social stigma, which makes it easier for scammers to keep targeting more people. Cybersecurity specialist Rajesh Kulkarni noted, “This kind of scam is designed to make victims feel special and emotionally involved. Once trust is built, it’s easy for the scammer to manipulate them into sending money.”

He added that online dating can be safe if approached with caution and awareness. “Never trust anyone who asks for money online, especially if you haven’t met them in person. Always verify identities and avoid sharing personal information early on.”

Here are some tips to stay safe from online dating scams:

Verify identities using reverse image searches or background checks if something feels off.

Avoid sharing personal or financial details with someone you’ve only met online.

Be suspicious of financial emergencies, especially involving customs, legal issues, or medical needs.

Insist on a video call before taking the relationship further. Scammers often avoid live interaction.

Report suspicious behavior on dating platforms and to cybercrime authorities immediately.

As dating apps continue to grow in popularity, especially among urban professionals in their 30s and 40s, the need for awareness is more crucial than ever. Love is a beautiful thing, but in the digital age, it also requires a dose of skepticism.

This Pune incident serves as a wake-up call to stay alert and never let emotions override common sense. Anyone can fall victim, regardless of their education or tech-savviness. What matters is how quickly the fraud is recognized and reported.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of cyber fraud, contact the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in for assistance.

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