A resident of Mumbai recently fell victim to an online escort service scam operating through Telegram. He was lured into visiting a hotel, while an agent guided him over the phone.
The victim was first asked to transfer ₹8,500 as a booking charge. Then came another demand for ₹8,500, followed by several other payments under various pretexts. In total, he lost nearly ₹30,000.
Each time, the fraudster asked for payment screenshots as “verification”. Once the transfers were done, the agent disappeared and blocked all contact.
This scam tactic is spreading fast across India. Police in cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Bengaluru have busted similar fraud rings. Scammers post fake escort profiles and trick victims into repeated payments—without ever providing any service.
Most scams are run via Telegram, WhatsApp, or Instagram. The fraudsters stay anonymous and quickly vanish once they get the money, making them hard to trace.
Experts advise victims to stop communication immediately and keep all evidence—chat records, phone numbers, and payment proofs. They should contact their bank without delay and file a report with the Cyber Crime Cell or on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Victims are also urged to report such Telegram profiles to prevent further fraud. Officials stress that victims must not feel ashamed. Staying silent only helps scammers continue their crimes.
This case is a reminder that digital fraud often plays on fear and vulnerability. Staying alert and reporting such scams is the best way to protect yourself and others.
