Dating App Scam Hits Mumbai! Men Duped at The Red Room in Andheri West, Lose INR 23K to 43K

Dating App Scam Alert: While this city of Mumbai may have seen a few too many scams, the latest dating scam must have sent out shockwaves across the city. Taking center stage in the problem was the story of a journalist named Deepika Bhardwaj, going viral on X (formerly Twitter), exposing a scam so well-orchestrated that many people fall into its pit. It largely targets users of popular dating apps such as Tinder and Happn, and lures them to an upmarket club called The Red Room in Andheri West.

Bhardwaj's Viral Post Highlights Modus Operandi

According to Bhardwaj's post, that went viral, and later confirmed by victims, the modus operandi is that the scamster, who feigns interest in being a date, invites the victim to The Red Room. After that, the scamster orders sumptuous things like jaggers, sheesha, Red Bull, pyros, and varied drinks. And, obviously, the bill that arrives is exorbitant, generally in the range of INR 23,000 to 43,000. Victims are then intimidated or thrashed into paying such high bills.

One of the victims elaborated on his terrifying experience. He met a woman online who invited him to The Red Room, saying that she was visiting town for her relative's marriage. On reaching the club, she ordered many expensive items. When the bill came, it was INR 43,000. Feeling trapped, the victim paid the bill, after which the woman made an excuse to leave and never returned.

Outrage on Social Media

Another victim narrated an almost similar experience: Lured to the same club, he was presented with a bill for INR 24,000. On expressing inability to pay, the staff had no compunction in using violence; the customer was physically assaulted until he could manage to pay the amount and make good his escape.

The incidents have provoked outrage on social media, where several others came out to narrate their experiences, warning others against The Red Room. Since then, the club has received hundreds of negative reviews, along with poor ratings on different websites, thus destroying its reputation entirely.

Authorities have, in turn, advised the public to exercise precaution by becoming more careful when meeting strangers from dating apps and to report instantly if any such suspicion arises. The police have also promised to probe such incidents effectively and initiate appropriate action against the persons involved in committing such fraudulent activities.