Dating App Friendship Costs Pune Businessman Over Rs 7 Crore in Cyber Scam

Kondhwa, 23rd May 2026: Cases of fraud through dating apps are on the rise, with cyber criminals allegedly cheating a businessman from Pune’s Kondhwa area of more than Rs 7.07 crore under the pretext of friendship and lucrative investment returns.

A complaint in this regard has been lodged by the businessman at the Cyber Police Station in Shivajinagar. Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against unidentified accused under the Information Technology Act.

According to police, the complainant is a 53-year-old unmarried businessman residing in Kondhwa. He owns a vehicle spare parts manufacturing unit in the industrial area of Bhosari.

Police said that in October 2025, the businessman came in contact with a woman through a dating app. As their interaction increased, the woman allegedly lured him into investing in foreign exchange trading by promising high returns.

The woman reportedly instructed him to open an account for trading through a mobile application. Following her instructions, the businessman created an account on the app and was later asked to transfer money into multiple bank accounts for investment purposes.

Over the last one-and-a-half years, the businessman allegedly transferred a total of Rs 7 crore 7 lakh 61 thousand into different bank accounts.

After making the payments, the complainant reportedly saw profits and returns reflected on the application. However, when he attempted to withdraw the amount, he was unable to access the funds.

Realising that he had been cheated, the businessman recently approached the police and filed a complaint.

Police Inspector Sangeeta Devkate is investigating the case.