A 29-year-old man from Khadakmal Ali, Pune, was cheated out of ₹1.35 lakh by cyber fraudsters operating through a fake dating website. The scam unfolded between November 9 and 17, prompting the victim to file a complaint at the Khadak Police Station.

The victim, an MBA graduate currently unemployed, came across a mobile number on a dating site and reached out via WhatsApp. The fraudsters lured him with promises of a date at a luxury hotel in Shivajinagar, even sending pictures of multiple women to gain his trust. They then demanded money for various reasons, including booking fees, login charges, and registration.

Convinced by their claims, the man made several online transfers. When he arrived at the hotel, he found no one there. Still unaware it was a scam, he contacted another number listed on the same website—only to be asked for more money under similar pretexts. After repeated payments and no outcome, he realised he had been defrauded.

He reported the incident on the cyber crime portal and lodged an official complaint with the Khadak police. A case has been registered under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and impersonation, along with Section 66 of the IT Act.

Police Inspector Manoj Kumar Lodhe is currently heading the investigation. The FIR names an unidentified website, associated mobile numbers, and bank account holders.

Police officials caution that such online scams are on the rise, especially via dating platforms. Victims often hesitate to report them due to embarrassment. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report cyber frauds without delay.