Tinder Trap: Delhi Man Forced to Pay Rs 35,000 in Shocking Cafe Extortion Scam

In a chilling reminder of the perils lurking behind online connections, a Delhi man found himself entangled in a nightmarish ordeal that cost him a significant sum of money and left him shaken. What began as a seemingly innocent Tinder match quickly escalated into a high-stakes extortion plot at a cafe in Karkardooma, east Delhi.

The victim, identified as Vishal, connected with a woman named 'Jyoti' on the popular dating application, Tinder.

After exchanging pleasantries and getting to know each other online, Jyoti suggested they meet in person at a cafe located in Karkardooma. Eager to take their conversation offline, Vishal agreed, unaware that he was stepping into a carefully laid trap.

Upon arriving at the cafe, Vishal met Jyoti.

They ordered a few items, indulging in what he believed was a casual, getting-to-know-you date. However, the atmosphere took a sinister turn when the bill arrived. Vishal was stunned to see an astronomical sum of Rs 50,000 for what appeared to be a modest order. Sensing something was terribly wrong, he immediately questioned the exorbitant charges, stating that he couldn't possibly pay such an amount for the items consumed.

His refusal to pay was met with aggressive resistance.

According to Vishal's complaint, he was suddenly surrounded by a group of bouncers who began to threaten him. Trapped and intimidated, with no clear way out of the menacing situation, Vishal was coerced into paying. Under immense pressure and fearing for his safety, he eventually transferred Rs 35,000 via UPI, a substantial portion of the original demand, to secure his release from the cafe.

After escaping the ordeal, Vishal promptly lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police, detailing the terrifying incident.

He suspects that he was targeted as part of a larger, organized scam, where individuals are lured through dating apps to specific establishments and then extorted. This modus operandi mirrors similar incidents reported in other parts of the country, highlighting a disturbing trend of online dating fraud.

The Delhi Police have launched an investigation into the matter, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when meeting strangers from online dating platforms.

This incident serves as a stark warning to users of dating apps: always prioritize your safety, choose public and well-known locations for first dates, and be wary of unusual or overly insistent demands. The thrill of a new connection should never overshadow the importance of personal security.