Hyderabad has recently seen a surge in dating scams, with multiple men reporting similar experiences of being financially exploited by women they met on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. These scams have primarily involved luring victims to upscale clubs, where they are left with exorbitant bills.
The Modus Operandi
The scammers’ strategy involves connecting with men on dating apps and quickly arranging in-person meetings. The women often claim to be makeup artists new to Hyderabad and seeking company. They then lead the victims to specific clubs, order expensive drinks without showing the menu, and leave the men to cover the substantial bills. Notably, these payments are often directed to accounts in other cities, such as Delhi, adding to the scam’s complexity.
Case Study 1: A Costly Night at Mosh Club
One victim recounted his experience with a woman named Ritika. After matching on Tinder, they met at the Hitech City metro station and proceeded to Mosh Club in Galleria Mall. She ordered expensive drinks, running up a bill of ₹40,508. Suspiciously, the payment was made to an account in Delhi. The victim also noted that only his entry details were taken, and the woman showed no signs of intoxication despite consuming multiple shots.
Case Study 2: A Shocking Bill at Attitude Club & Lounge
Another victim reported losing ₹16,000 after meeting a woman on Tinder. They met at the Hitech Metro Station and went to Attitude Club & Lounge, where she ordered several costly drinks. As it was his first time at a club, he initially thought the high bill was normal. However, after checking Google Maps and finding similar complaints, he realized he had been scammed.
Case Study 3: Deceptive Tactics at Mosh Pub
A third victim shared a similar story. After meeting at the Hitech City metro station, the woman led him to Mosh Pub in Galleria Mall. She ordered multiple rounds of expensive drinks and food without allowing him to see the menu, resulting in a bill of ₹24,000. When he attempted to pay through Zomato, the pub management denied it, further indicating a coordinated scam.
Clubs Involved and Their Practices
The clubs frequently mentioned in these scams include Mosh Club, Attitude Club & Lounge, and The Devil’s Night Club, all located on the fourth floor of Galleria Mall near Hitech City Metro Station. Victims reported that payments were directed to accounts in other cities, particularly Delhi, highlighting the dubious nature of these establishments.
Response from Authorities
Authorities have yet to make a formal statement regarding these incidents. However, the pattern and frequency of these reports suggest a well-organized scam operation.
Advice for Potential Victims
Individuals are advised to exercise caution when meeting new acquaintances from dating apps and to be wary of suspicious activities in clubs. Awareness and vigilance can help prevent falling victim to such scams.
