A Growing Concern: The Mumbai Dating Scam

In a shocking revelation, a new scam has surfaced in Mumbai, targeting men through popular dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. The scam, which has already ensnared at least 12 victims, involves women luring men to expensive clubs, where they are left with exorbitant bills ranging from Rs 23,000 to Rs 61,000. The Godfather Club in Andheri West has been singled out as a hotspot for this deceitful scheme.

The Modus Operandi

Journalist and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj brought this issue to light in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to Bhardwaj, the scam begins with women connecting with men on dating apps. After a brief chat, they suggest a casual meet-up, often proposing well-known places like Pizza Express or Metro. However, they soon insist on shifting the venue to The Godfather Club or similar establishments. Once at the club, the women order expensive items without showing the men a menu, leaving them unaware of the impending financial trap.

The bills include charges for high-priced items like cocktails and hookah, and in one case, a man ended up paying over Rs 61,000 for a single outing. Once the orders are placed, the women make a swift exit, leaving the men to deal with the hefty bills. If the men hesitate to pay, bouncers reportedly intimidate them, forcing payment under the threat of physical harm.

Public Outcry and Legal Questions

Bhardwaj's posts, which have garnered over four million views, have sparked widespread outrage and concern on social media. Many users have shared similar experiences, highlighting the widespread nature of the scam across Mumbai. Some have even questioned how these clubs continue to operate despite numerous complaints.

One user on X commented on the situation, questioning whether it qualifies as a scam, noting that men could simply refuse to pay for more than they can afford. However, Bhardwaj counters this by emphasizing the organized and coercive nature of the operation, which often leaves the victims too intimidated to resist.

A Call for Action

Bhardwaj has also questioned the role of the Mumbai Police in addressing this issue, tagging them in her posts and demanding action against what she describes as an "organized crime." Despite several cyber complaints and on-spot police calls, the scam continues unabated, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing such activities.

Furthermore, Bhardwaj has raised concerns about The Godfather Club’s continued presence on platforms like Zomato, despite its involvement in the scam. She suggests that the club might be part of a larger network of nightclubs in Mumbai that use public relations personnel to hire women who lure men into these costly and intimidating situations.

The Mumbai dating scam is a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind seemingly innocent interactions on dating apps. As more victims come forward, the pressure mounts on law enforcement to take swift and decisive action to shut down this operation. In the meantime, individuals are urged to remain cautious and vigilant when using dating apps, especially when meeting someone for the first time.