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Cases of online dating and social media scams by pretending to be friends are continuously coming to light. Cyber ​​criminals have now started using “Rent a Boyfriend” and “Rent a Girlfriend” scams to trap people. Fake ads are circulating on social media, claiming to give people a boyfriend or girlfriend on rent. Cyber ​​Dost I4C, an agency under the Home Ministry, has warned people about this new scam.

What is “Rent a Boyfriend-Girlfriend” Scam?
Cyber ​​friend I4C gave information about this scam by posting on X platform. According to the agency, fake ads are being shared on social media under the name “Rent a Boyfriend”. These ads lure people and then they are cheated in the name of booking. Apart from this, under the pretext of conversation, they are gradually lured into the trap of fraud.

How to commit fraud?
Cyber ​​criminals use AI generated images and fake facial profiles in this scam. The profile may look genuine, but the identity of the person behind it may be completely fake. People consider the profile to be genuine and start chatting with the fraudster. The fraudster gradually wins the trust of the victim and asks for money by giving some compelling reason. Similarly, people are also being duped by using fake photos on fake dating apps and dubious online platforms.

What precautions should you take?

If you're chatting with someone on a dating app or social media platform, avoid sharing personal information initially. It is not wise to immediately trust a person based on their profile photo, name or other information. Especially if the person starts asking for money or personal documents during the conversation.

What is the biggest concern?

If someone asks you for money online in the name of friendship or relationship, consider it a serious concern. Scammers pretending to hire a boyfriend or girlfriend may pretend to be sick, travelling, emergency or some other urgent matter and demand a large amount of money. In such cases, it is safer to end the conversation rather than getting emotional and sending money.

How to avoid scams?
Do not share your bank account information, debit or credit card details, UPI PIN or OTP received on the phone with such people. Cyber ​​criminals can access your bank account using this information. Avoid opening any link or downloading any app on the advice of unknown people.

Where to complain?

If you have been scammed in the name of hiring a boyfriend or girlfriend, then immediately call 1930 or complain on cybercrime.gov.in. If your money hasn't gone missing yet, but you spot a suspicious profile, mobile number, social media account or website, you can report it through I4C's Report Suspicious feature. When making a complaint, save all evidence to chat, screenshot, profile link and payment.