Hyderabad Police Warn Young Women of 'Rent-a-Boyfriend' Scam on Social Media

Hyderabad Police Commissioner has issued a warning about a deceptive 'rent-a-boyfriend' scam targeting young women on social media platforms. Attractive posts offering companionship and discounted dates hide a sophisticated cybercrime operation designed to exploit loneliness and extract personal information.

How the Scam Works

The 'rent-a-boyfriend' fraud operates by presenting attractive profiles of seemingly caring, attentive men on social media platforms. Scammers exploit emotional vulnerability, particularly targeting young women seeking companionship. They offer discounted dates—coffee meetings, movie outings, shopping trips—as an entry point to build trust and extract personal information.

Typical Exploitation Pattern

The scheme progresses in stages. Initially, the scammer establishes rapport through consistent communication and emotional support. Once trust is established, they begin requesting personal details: banking information, identification numbers, residential address, and phone numbers. The final stage involves requests for money transfers disguised as payment for services, emergency assistance, or investment opportunities.

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Stock photo profiles: Profile images appear unusually perfect or are sourced from internet image banks
Rapid intimacy building: Personal questions and declarations of affection appear unusually quickly
Escalating financial requests: Requests begin small and grow progressively—service fees, transportation costs, emergency funds
Avoidance of in-person meetings: Excuses consistently surface when meetings are proposed
Platform switching: Frequent requests to communicate on different apps to avoid digital trails
Isolation tactics: Attempts to maintain secrecy and discourage victims from seeking advice

Protection Strategies

Verify identity independently: Use reverse image searches on profile photos to check for authenticity
Set boundaries on personal information: Never share banking details, government ID numbers, or passwords with online acquaintances
Refuse all money requests: Legitimate services process payments through established merchant systems, not direct transfers
Trust your instincts: If something feels rushed or uncomfortable, it probably is
Maintain transparency: Share conversations with trusted friends or family rather than keeping relationships secret

Reporting and Support Resources

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (India): www.cybercrime.gov.in
Local Cyber Crime Cells in major cities
Contact your bank immediately if financial information has been compromised
File a formal police complaint for identity theft or fraud