Bengaluru police have registered two cybercrime cases after fraudsters allegedly used dating apps to build romantic relationships with victims before convincing them to invest in fake online trading schemes, resulting in losses exceeding ₹2.5 crore.

The incidents highlight a growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting emotional trust through online dating platforms to carry out large-scale financial fraud.

Software engineer loses nearly ₹89 lakh

In one case, a 43-year-old software engineer from BTM Layout was allegedly cheated of ₹88.76 lakh by a woman who identified herself as Sakshi Shetty on the dating app Bumble.

According to the complaint, the woman maintained regular contact with the victim through WhatsApp, emails, voice calls and video calls over several weeks. She allegedly spoke about marriage and a future together before introducing him to an online trading platform called “Pu Prime CS”.

The victim was persuaded to invest in forex, cryptocurrency and commodity trading schemes. Small initial returns reportedly convinced him to invest larger sums. However, when he attempted to withdraw his money, the fraudsters allegedly demanded additional payments under various pretexts.

Another victim loses over ₹1.6 crore

In a separate case, a 32-year-old private firm employee residing in Electronics City lost more than ₹1.6 crore after meeting a woman identifying herself as Riya Agarwal on the dating app TanTan.

Police said the accused gained the victim’s trust through frequent online interactions and promises of marriage before persuading him to invest through a platform called “Global Prime”.

The victim allegedly transferred money through multiple transactions between February and May. When he later attempted to withdraw the funds, the fraudsters reportedly stopped responding.

Police warn against online investment traps

Cybercrime officials have described the cases as organised fraud operations that combine fake romantic relationships with investment scams. Investigators are working to freeze bank accounts linked to the transactions and trace those involved.

Police have advised the public to exercise caution when forming online relationships and to thoroughly verify investment opportunities before transferring money