In Ahmedabad, a young man found himself in a troubling situation after trying to make friends on a dating app. The incident occurred in Anandnagar, where the man, who works in a private job, was tricked by someone pretending to be a police officer. The scammer threatened him with a false case and extorted a shocking ₹5.9 lakh from him.
The victim, identified as Dithen Patel, originally from Surat, was living in a paying guest accommodation near Bajigar Society. He started using a dating app to meet new people. On March 24, he received a message from someone on the app inviting him to meet. When they met, the person claimed that his mother was ill and asked for ₹10,000 for help.
Dithen, unable to provide any money, was then taken to a nearby area in a rickshaw. While they were on their way, another person, who appeared to be a police officer, intervened. He threatened Dithen and his companion, accusing them of being involved in a theft. This person, along with the scammer, claimed to be a police officer named Ajay Rathod from Vejalpur.
Under pressure and fear of arrest, Dithen was coerced into transferring ₹1.5 lakh via phone payment. Over the next few days, the fake officers continued to demand money, eventually extracting a total of ₹5.9 lakh from him. Despite the huge sum paid, they still asked for more money, prompting Dithen to report the matter to the Anandnagar police station.
Inspector Brijesh Bharai took immediate action and launched an investigation. Within hours, the fake officer, Ajay Rathod, was arrested. However, it was discovered that his real name was Ilyas Rahim Sheikh, a 44-year-old resident of Anwar Park in Juhapura. His accomplice, Mustaq Chouhan, remains at large.
This incident highlights the risks associated with online dating apps. While they offer a platform to connect with others, they can also expose users to scams and fraud. It’s essential for users to remain cautious and verify the identity of people they meet online, especially when financial issues are involved.
The police are urging everyone to report suspicious behavior immediately to prevent such scams from happening again. They are also advising users to avoid sharing personal information or sending money to anyone they do not know well.
As the popularity of dating apps continues to grow, it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions. Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but users must prioritize their safety and security.
For those looking to engage with dating apps, consider using platforms that have robust verification processes. Always meet in public places for the first few dates and inform a friend about your plans. The risk of falling victim to scams is real, but with awareness and caution, users can enjoy the benefits of online dating without falling prey to fraud.
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