Dating App Scams Target Men at High-End Clubs in Mumbai
A troubling trend has emerged in Mumbai, where men are falling victim to a dating app scam that leaves them with outrageous bills. The latest case involves The Godfather Club in Andheri West, now under investigation after a viral social media post by activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj.
How the Scam Unfolds
The scam typically starts on popular dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OKCupid. Men connect with women who quickly suggest meeting in person. The meeting is often set at The Godfather Club or a similar upscale venue. Once at the venue, the women order expensive items like high-end liquor or hookah, which are not listed on the menu.
The Shocking Bill and Intimidation Tactics
After placing the orders, the women suddenly leave, citing an emergency. The men are then left with a shocking bill, sometimes ranging from ₹ 23,000 to ₹ 61,000. When they protest, club staff or bouncers reportedly threaten them, forcing them to pay out of fear and embarrassment.
A Widespread Issue Across Cities
The Godfather Club isn’t the only venue under scrutiny. Bhardwaj’s post suggests a broader network of clubs in Mumbai using similar tactics. These establishments allegedly employ PR personnel who hire women to lure men into these traps.
This isn’t an isolated issue; similar scams have been reported in other major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. In June, a civil service aspirant in Delhi was tricked into paying ₹ 1.2 lakh at a popular venue.
A Call for Awareness
As these scams continue to surface, it’s crucial for people to stay vigilant and avoid falling into these expensive traps.
