A 26-year-old Bengaluru resident was allegedly duped of nearly ₹30 lakh in a sophisticated dating app scam orchestrated by a fraudster posing as a US-based doctor, along with accomplices impersonating airport and customs officials.
According to the complaint, the victim connected with the accused on a dating platform on July 21 last year. After initially interacting on the app, the two exchanged mobile numbers and began communicating regularly through phone calls and messages. Over time, the accused allegedly introduced himself as a doctor residing in the United States and gradually gained the victim’s trust through frequent conversations.
Fraudster Claimed He Was Flying to India
The scam took a new turn when the accused informed the victim that he was travelling to India to meet him. To make the story appear genuine, the fraudster allegedly shared what looked like a legitimate flight ticket and claimed he would arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on August 10, 2025.
The following day, the victim reportedly received a message stating that the alleged doctor had been detained by customs authorities at the airport for carrying $240,000 in cash. The accused then sought financial help, claiming he needed Indian currency to complete customs formalities and secure his release.
Fake Airport Officials Demanded Money
Soon after, a woman posing as an airport official contacted the complainant and demanded payments for customs clearance, currency conversion, anti-money laundering verification, insurance charges, and security deposits.
Police said the fake doctor continued to communicate with the victim and repeatedly assured him that all the money would be returned once they met in person. Trusting the claims, the victim transferred funds through multiple transactions to several bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
Between August and September last year, the Bengaluru resident allegedly transferred a total of ₹29.8 lakh.
Victim Alerted Cybercrime Authorities
The fraud came to light after the victim refused to make any further payments. Despite this, the accused allegedly continued to pressure him emotionally, claiming the doctor would remain in custody unless the remaining charges were paid.
Realising he had been deceived, the victim contacted the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and filed an online complaint. On June 1, he also lodged a formal complaint with the South Cybercrime Police Station in Bengaluru.
Police Register Case, Probe Underway
Police have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Speaking to News18, investigators said efforts are underway to identify the individuals involved in the fraud and trace the money transferred by the victim. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution while interacting with strangers on dating platforms and to verify claims involving financial transactions before making any payments.
