Bengaluru man loses Rs 30 lakh to fake US doctor on dating app

Bengaluru: A man posing as a US-based doctor allegedly duped a 26-year-old Bengaluru resident of nearly Rs 30 lakh in an elaborate dating app scam, with the help of accomplices masquerading as airport and customs officials.

According to the complaint, the victim came into contact with the accused through the dating platform on July 21 last year. After connecting on the app, the two exchanged mobile numbers and began communicating regularly through messages and phone calls.

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The accused allegedly introduced himself as a doctor based in the United States and gradually gained the complainant's trust through frequent interactions. The scam took a dramatic turn when the fraudster informed the victim that he was travelling to India to meet him and even shared what appeared to be a flight ticket. The alleged doctor was scheduled to arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on August 10, 2025.

The following day, the victim reportedly received a message from the purported doctor stating that he had been detained by customs authorities at the airport for carrying $240,000 in cash. He allegedly sought financial assistance, claiming he needed Indian currency to clear customs formalities.

Shortly thereafter, a woman posing as an airport official contacted the complainant and demanded money for customs clearance, currency conversion, anti-money laundering verification, insurance fees, and security deposits. The fake doctor also repeatedly spoke to the victim and assured him that the money would be repaid once they met.

Believing the claims and hoping to help his online friend, the Bengaluru resident transferred money in multiple transactions to several bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. Between August and September last year, the victim transferred a total of Rs 29.8 lakh.

The scam came to light after the victim refused to make further payments. However, the fraudsters allegedly continued to emotionally pressure him, claiming that the doctor would remain detained unless all outstanding charges were settled.

The victim then contacted the national cybercrime helpline (1930) and lodged an online complaint. On June 1 this year, he lodged a complaint with the South cybercrime police. A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by personation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reports TOI.

Speaking to News18, the police said further investigation is underway to identify those behind the scheme and to trace the money the victim transferred.

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