Hyderabad Police warn women of ‘rent-a-boyfriend’ cyber fraud

Hyderabad Police have warned women against fake ‘rent-a-boyfriend’ advertisements circulating on social media. Scammers allegedly use fabricated profiles to extract money and personal information through booking fees, security deposits and advance payments, posing financial and safety risks

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police have warned against attractive social media advertisements offering ‘rent-a-boyfriend’ services and hefty discounts, which are allegedly emerging as a new cyber fraud trap targeting young women.

Scammers are allegedly using fake profiles and fabricated dating offers to extract money and personal information.

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Posts circulating on Instagram, Telegram and Facebook advertise services such as coffee dates, movie outings, shopping companionship and accompanying clients to events and weddings.

According to the police, some advertisements offer packages ranging from a few hundred rupees for a short meeting to several thousand rupees for full-day companionship, often promoted with claims such as ‘50% OFF’ and ‘special offers.’

Taking to social media, City Police Commissioner V.C.Sajjanar said cyber fraudsters reportedly use photographs of good-looking men, some allegedly generated using AI or taken from the internet, to create convincing profiles. “Women who respond to the advertisements are moved to private chats, where the operators establish rapport before demanding money in the name of booking confirmation, advance payment or a security deposit,” he said.

Payments are sought through QR codes and digital wallets, after which the scammers may disappear or block the victim, he added.

Officials say the danger, however, may extend beyond financial loss. Personal details, phone numbers and photographs shared during conversations could potentially be misused for harassment, blackmail or other forms of cybercrime. “Meeting unknown individuals based solely on online conversations could also expose victims to physical safety risks,” Sajjanar cautioned.

Cybercrime officials are reportedly monitoring such fraudulent advertisements and are cautioning women and parents to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, citizens have been advised not to trust unusually attractive online offers, share private information or photographs with strangers, meet unknown persons without proper verification, or make advance payments to unverified accounts.

Victims of such a fraud should immediately contact the 1930 cybercrime helpline and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.