Dating apps have changed how we meet potential partners, making it more convenient and expanding our social networks.
An incident in Gurugram highlights the dangers of online dating.
A man using Bumble was scammed, losing Rs 2 lakh.
This unfortunate event emphasises the importance of being cautious and aware when using dating apps.
The Scam Unveiled
According to a PTI report, a woman working in the IT sector was arrested recently for extorting money from a man she met on a dating app.
Alongside an accomplice, she falsely accused the man of molestation and demanded Rs 2 lakh from him.
Fortunately, the authorities apprehended the woman's partner in the act of exchanging the money.
This incident serves as a reminder that not all individuals we encounter online have genuine intentions, emphasising the importance of verifying the authenticity of people we meet on dating apps.
Following a thorough investigation, it has been discovered that Binita Kumari and her partner, Mahesh Phogat, not only employed similar tactics to deceive and target 12 other individuals but also falsely accused five innocent people of rape and molestation in the past, according to the PTI report.
This shocking discovery highlights the severe impact of such scams and the potential harm they can cause to innocent lives.
It emphasises the urgent requirement for strong measures to combat online fraud and safeguard users of dating apps.
Binita Kumari, originally from Bihar and working in an IT company, and her accomplice Mahesh Phogat, associated with an NGO, initially met on the Bumble dating app.
However, their intentions quickly turned malicious.
On a particular day, the victim was taken to a hotel where the woman tried to make him consume alcohol forcefully.
Recognising the danger, the man left immediately.
Unfortunately, the woman resorted to false accusations of misbehaviour and molestation, using them to blackmail him for Rs 2 lakh.
The victim sought help from the police, resulting in a trap being set up, leading to the arrest of both individuals involved in the scam.