Background

In October 2024, a 28-year-old textile businessman from Bengaluru fell victim to a sextortion scam after engaging with a profile on the dating app ‘Hinge’. The incident resulted in a financial loss of ₹5 lakh and significant mental distress. This case sheds light on how cybercriminals exploit dating platforms to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

Incident Details

• The victim, residing in Fraser Town, Bengaluru, connected with a user named ‘Arushi’ on the dating app ‘Hinge’ on October 8, 2024.
• The two exchanged messages over a few days, during which ‘Arushi’ gradually gained his trust.
• After a few interactions, the fraudster convinced the businessman to engage in a private video call.
• During the video call, explicit visuals of the victim were secretly recorded without his knowledge.
• Soon after, the businessman received threatening messages stating that the recorded footage would be leaked on social media and shared with his family unless he paid ₹5 lakh.
• Out of fear of public humiliation, he complied and transferred the money within 24 hours.
• Despite making the payment, the threats continued, prompting him to approach the police for help.

Modus Operandi

The criminals followed a structured pattern to execute the sextortion scam:

1. Fake Profile Creation – The perpetrators created an attractive fake profile under the name ‘Arushi’ on Hinge to lure victims.
2. Building Trust – They engaged in friendly and flirtatious conversations to build rapport over a few days.
3. Inducing the Victim into a Video Call – The victim was manipulated into a video call where he was coerced into engaging in explicit activities.
4. Recording the Call – The entire session was secretly recorded without the victim’s consent.
5. Blackmail & Extortion – The fraudsters demanded ₹5 lakh, threatening to circulate the video on social media and among the victim’s acquaintances.
6. Continuous Threats – Even after receiving the money, the criminals continued their threats, leading the victim to file a police complaint.

Investigation and Police Action

• The businessman lodged a complaint at the East CEN Crime Police Station, Bengaluru, under sections related to cheating, extortion, and cybercrime.
• The police initiated an investigation and traced the payment transactions made by the victim.
• Authorities found that the scammers used cryptocurrency and multiple bank accounts to launder the extorted money.
• The police also requested social media and dating platforms to provide details regarding the fake profile.
• Investigators identified links to cybercriminal networks operating from other states and international locations, making it a challenging case to solve.

Preventive Measures

To avoid falling victim to such scams, individuals must take preventive steps:

1. Be Wary of Strangers Online – Avoid engaging with unknown individuals on dating platforms.
2. Do Not Share Intimate Content – Never send explicit photos or videos to anyone online, even if trust has been built.
3. Verify Identities – Conduct a background check on people you interact with online, especially on dating apps.
4. Report Suspicious Profiles – If someone behaves suspiciously or asks for inappropriate content, report them to the platform administrators.
5. Enable Privacy Settings – Restrict access to personal information on social media to prevent criminals from exploiting your details.
6. Seek Legal Help Immediately – If you receive threats, approach the cybercrime helpline (1930) or the nearest police station without making any payments.

Conclusion

This Bengaluru sextortion case highlights the dangers of online interactions and how cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain. The victim’s timely police report helped expose the criminal network behind such scams. Law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on similar sextortion rackets, urging individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.