The menace of dating app scams is back and is once again casting a dark shadow over Mumbai’s nightlife. In a series of alarming incidents, five young men have alleged they were duped by an organised racket operating out of a lounge located on Link Road in Malad West, opposite Infiniti Mall. According to the victims, they were targeted through popular dating apps like Bumble, Happn, 3Fun and Tinder.

Lured under the pretence of a date, they were taken to the lounge where they were hit with shockingly inflated bills and subjected to aggressive payment tactics. All five have filed complaints with the Malad police, who have confirmed receiving the cases and initiated a preliminary investigation.

Case 1: Hospitality manager from Colaba
Loss: Rs 17,000

A 31-year-old hospitality manager from Colaba matched with a woman named Anamika on Happn. After exchanging messages, they agreed to meet on May 10 at Infiniti Mall, Malad. When he suggested meeting inside the mall or at a nearby café, Anamika insisted on visiting a lounge across the road.