Rent a boyfriend: Hyderabad police commissioner cautions women over dating scam

City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar on Saturday warned young women against social media offers advertising "rent boyfriend" services, saying cyber criminals may use such schemes to cheat and blackmail victims, reports PTI.

The offers, which promise confidential and professional companionship, are designed to lure women through attractive proposals before seeking money and personal information, Sajjanar said in a post on X.

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‘Rent boyfriend’ offers used as dating traps

Sajjanar said cyber criminals advertise companionship with handsome young men for activities such as having coffee, watching a movie or shopping. He described the service as a new "dating trap" targeting girls and young women.

He also shared a poster featuring a typical offer, including discount promotions such as "1st August Special - 50% off".

Fraudsters use AI-generated photos

According to Sajjanar, cyber criminals use photographs of attractive young men to make the offers appear genuine. The images may be generated using artificial intelligence or downloaded from the internet, he said.

Once women respond to the offers, fraudsters may demand money as security deposits, advance payments or booking confirmation charges. After receiving the payment, they block the accounts of those who approached them, he said.

Personal photos may be used for blackmail

Sajjanar warned that fraudsters could also collect phone numbers and personal photographs and subsequently use them to blackmail victims.

The Hyderabad cyber crime police are monitoring such fraudulent offers and will take action against those involved in accordance with the law, he said.

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Police urge parents to monitor social media use

The police commissioner advised parents of young women to keep an eye on their social media activity and smartphone usage to help prevent them from becoming victims of cyber crime.

He also urged people who have fallen victim to such frauds to approach the city cyber crime police.