Dating apps have become a popular way to connect with others who share similar interests, often leading to meaningful relationships. However, the convenience of these platforms has also opened doors to various scams, with a recent incident in Mumbai shedding light on the darker side of online dating.Scam UnveiledLawyer and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj recently brought attention to a disturbing scam affecting at least 12 victims in Mumbai. Through a series of tweets, Bhardwaj exposed a scheme orchestrated by The Godfather Club in Andheri West, where unsuspecting men were trapped via dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. Bhardwaj revealed, “MUMBAI DATING SCAM EXPOSED. THE GODFATHER CLUB ANDHERI WEST. BRAZEN SCAMMING EVERYDAY. 12 victims in touch. Trap laid through Tinder, Bumble. Bill amounts 23K- 61K. 3 men trapped by the same girl.”Bhardwaj shared images of bills that victims had received, one of which totaled ₹61,743. The bill listed four items, including two cocktails priced at ₹5,000 each. Her posts quickly gained traction, garnering over four million views and sparking widespread discussion on social media.🚨 MUMBAI DATING SCAM EXPOSE 🚨THE GODFATHER CLUB ANDHERI WEST◾BRAZEN SCAMMING EVERYDAY◾12 victims in touch◾Trap laid through Tinder, Bumble◾Bill amounts 23K- 61K◾3 men trapped by same girl@MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice @mymalishka @CMOMaharashtra@zomato pic.twitter.com/qGOacFCE9f— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 23, 2024Public ReactionsThe viral post elicited a wide range of reactions. Some users questioned the legitimacy of calling the situation a scam, arguing that the men willingly paid the exorbitant bills. One user wrote, “How is this a scam People are themselves paying to maybe impress the girl or what not... People dont make you a fool, you already are a fool, and people just take advantage of that.”Others expressed concern, sharing their own experiences or those of friends who had fallen prey to similar tactics. My friend also got scammed here. Hope police will take some action against the restaurant, one user commented. Another added, This is happening all over Mumbai, pan-India.How the Scam WorksBhardwaj provided further details on how these scams typically unfold. The scammer first connects with the victim via a dating app, quickly arranging an in-person meeting at a restaurant like Pizza Express or Metro. Once there, the scammer insists on ordering expensive items such as drinks, hookah, and fire shots—often without showing a menu. The bill rapidly accumulates to thousands of rupees. After the meal, the scammer leaves abruptly, leaving the victim to face aggressive bouncers who demand payment, often resorting to threats or physical intimidation.
