A new form of cyber fraud involving online companionship and friendship services has emerged, with cybercriminals allegedly using social media platforms to lure women and young people through advertisements offering "Rent-a-Boyfriend" services. These advertisements, circulated on platforms such as Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook, offer companionship for coffee dates, movies, weddings, and other social events. Some advertisements reportedly promote packages starting at ₹499 for a coffee meeting.
How the Scam Typically Begins
The alleged scammers first post attractive advertisements or profiles featuring photographs of young men, offering companionship at relatively low prices. Once someone expresses interest, the conversation shifts to direct messages, often moving from Instagram to private messaging platforms such as Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp.
According to cyber experts, this move to private messaging is often when the alleged fraud actually begins. The person behind the profile initially attempts to establish familiarity and trust before eventually demanding money for booking confirmation, security deposits, or advance payments.
QR Codes and Digital Wallets Used for Payment
Victims may subsequently receive QR codes, digital wallet details, or other online payment options to transfer the requested amount. Once the money is received, the alleged scammers often stop responding and block the victim entirely.
According to figures cited by cyber officials, around 24 complaints related to such scams have been registered since January 2026, involving losses of nearly ₹3.5 lakh. Officials have cautioned that the actual number of victims could be significantly higher, since some people may hesitate to report such incidents due to embarrassment or social pressure.
A Risk Beyond Just Financial Loss
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said online dating and companionship scams can involve risks that extend well beyond financial fraud. Criminals may first establish emotional trust, and then persuade victims to share private photographs or videos, which could later be used to threaten or blackmail them.
He advised people not to share private photographs, videos, addresses, phone numbers, locations, or details about daily routines with strangers online, noting that relying only on a profile photograph, name, or online conversation to establish someone's identity can be genuinely risky.
Warning Signs Worth Watching For
Experts say several patterns should raise suspicion, strangers becoming overly familiar within a short period, repeatedly avoiding video calls, providing inconsistent personal information, using newly created profiles, and displaying photographs that seem suspicious or potentially AI-generated.
Repeated pressure to meet privately, demands for secrecy, requests for private photographs, and requests for financial assistance should also be treated as clear warning signs. Users should avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading APK files received from unknown online contacts.
A Pattern That Extends Beyond This One Scam
The broader risks associated with online friendships aren't limited to "Rent-a-Boyfriend" advertisements specifically. In a deeply concerning case reported from Nagpur, a minor came into contact with an individual through a fake social media profile, and after the perpetrator built trust over time, private images were obtained and subsequently used to threaten and exploit the child. Police were able to trace the accused using digital forensic methods.
In another separate case, an alleged human trafficking network reportedly used attractive job advertisements on social media to lure vulnerable young women. These cases collectively demonstrate how criminals can exploit online trust-building over time before attempting more serious forms of exploitation, underscoring why caution with unknown online contacts matters for people of all ages, and especially for protecting children from online predators.
Other Related Threats: Fake Files and Links
Other cyber fraud cases have also highlighted the dangers of downloading suspicious files and APK applications. In one case, an engineer at a tractor manufacturing company allegedly lost ₹15 lakh after downloading a file received through a fake traffic challan message. In another case, an elderly woman was allegedly defrauded of ₹8 lakh after receiving a fake message regarding an unpaid gas bill and downloading an APK file.
What to Do If You're Targeted
Cyber experts say users should be particularly cautious when an online acquaintance quickly attempts to steer a conversation toward personal information or financial transactions. Any online companionship, dating, or friendship offer involving advance payments should be independently verified before any money is transferred.
People who become victims of cyber fraud should immediately contact 1930 and report the incident through the national cybercrime reporting system. Prompt reporting can meaningfully improve the chances of tracing or freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering the lost money.
FAQs
Q1. How does the "Rent-a-Boyfriend" scam typically work?
Scammers post attractive companionship advertisements on social media, move conversations to private messaging apps, build familiarity, and then demand payment for booking confirmations or deposits before disappearing.
Q2. What warning signs should people watch for in online companionship offers?
Red flags include overly quick familiarity, avoidance of video calls, inconsistent personal details, newly created profiles, requests for private photographs, and pressure to make advance payments.
Q3. What should someone do if they fall victim to such a scam?
Victims should immediately report the incident by calling 1930 or filing a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, as prompt reporting improves the chances of recovering lost funds.