Dombivli Woman Loses ₹11 Lakh To Dating App Scam

A senior software developer from Dombivli, who works at LTIMindtree in Navi Mumbai, has allegedly lost ₹11,05,852 to a man she met on the dating app Aisle. The woman met the man, who identified himself as Sai Kiran Kondal Reddy, on the app and they started talking over the phone every day. However, they never met in person.

According to reports, Reddy claimed to work with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and promised to marry the woman. He allegedly told her that his father was suffering from a kidney ailment and required medical treatment, and sought financial assistance from her. The woman, believing his claims and promises, made several payments using her credit cards, UPI, and personal savings.

The suspect allegedly sent her fake receipts and screenshots, claiming that he had transferred the amount to the woman from the UK. However, no money was ever credited to her account. She reportedly believed his explanation that the delay was due to the money being transferred from abroad and continued sending him money in instalments.

Between April 18 and August 10, the woman allegedly made numerous payments, with the total amount reaching ₹11,05,852. She reportedly made her final payment of ₹1.33 lakh on August 10, believing that Reddy would eventually return the money. However, she later realised that she had no money left, even her savings, and that she had allegedly been duped.

The woman subsequently approached the authorities and lodged a complaint on the cybercrime portal before approaching the Vishnu Nagar Police, where an FIR was registered under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police have launched an investigation into the matter, and further details are awaited.

This incident highlights the importance of being cautious when interacting with people online, especially on dating apps. It is essential to verify the identity and intentions of the person before sharing personal or financial information. The police are urging people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The case is currently under investigation, and the police are working to track down the suspect and recover the lost amount. The woman's experience serves as a warning to others to be careful when using online platforms, especially when it comes to financial transactions.

In recent times, there have been several cases of online financial fraud reported in Maharashtra, with many people losing large amounts of money to scammers. The state police have been working to crack down on these scams and raise awareness about the importance of online safety.

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of online dating platforms. While these platforms can be a convenient way to meet new people, they also pose a risk of fraud and exploitation. It is essential for users to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

In conclusion, the case of the Dombivli woman who lost ₹11 lakh to a dating app scam is a stark reminder of the importance of online safety and caution. It is crucial for people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, and for online platforms to take steps to prevent such scams from happening in the future.