⚠️ SCAM ALERT: Dating App Restaurant Scheme Targeting Bangalore Residents & Expats

⚠️ BANGALORE DATING SCAM ALERT - A concerning dating scam scheme has been reported operating in Bangalore's fine dining and pub scene. This is crucial information for expats and locals using dating apps in the city.

🚨 HOW THE SCAM WORKS:

A local resident recently shared their experience meeting someone involved in this operation. Here's the scheme breakdown:

• Women are recruited by certain fine dining restaurants and pubs in Bangalore
• They create profiles on popular dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, etc.)
• Match with targets and suggest meeting at specific partner restaurants
• During the date, they order expensive food and drinks totaling ₹7,000-10,000
• The "drinks" they order are often just colored water, but charged as premium alcohol
• They receive commission from the inflated bill (typically 20-40%)
• After the date, they usually ghost the person
• Some do 2-3 such "dates" per week as a side business

💰 FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Victims typically end up paying ₹7,000-10,000 per date, thinking they're having a genuine connection, only to be ghosted afterward and realize they've been scammed.

🎯 WHO'S AT RISK:
• New expats unfamiliar with local scams
• People actively using dating apps in Bangalore
• Anyone looking for genuine connections on dating platforms
• Both locals and foreigners can be targeted

🚩 RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:
• Date insists on going to a specific restaurant (especially if it's their "favorite")
• They order multiple expensive drinks but seem completely sober
• Restaurant seems unusually empty despite high prices
• They're overly enthusiastic about ordering premium items
• Push back when you suggest splitting the bill or going elsewhere
• Profile seems too polished or model-like
• They become distant or ghost you after the first date

🛡️ HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

1. **Suggest Your Own Venue**: Always propose meeting at a well-known, reputable place you're familiar with
2. **Video Call First**: Do a quick video chat before meeting to verify they're genuine
3. **Meet in Public Spaces**: Start with coffee shops or casual venues for first dates
4. **Split the Bill**: Suggest splitting or pay separately from the start
5. **Trust Your Instincts**: If something feels off, it probably is
6. **Check Reviews**: Research the restaurant beforehand - look for complaints about overcharging
7. **Monitor Your Date**: If they're "drinking" heavily but showing no effects, be suspicious
8. **Set Spending Limits**: Decide your budget before the date and stick to it

📱 DATING APP SAFETY TIPS:
• Don't share personal details too quickly
• Meet in well-lit, crowded public places
• Tell a friend where you're going and when you'll check in
• Keep your first few meetings brief and casual
• Be wary of people who seem too good to be true

⚖️ LEGAL PERSPECTIVE:
This scheme operates in a grey area - while unethical, it's technically not illegal since the person willingly pays the bill. However, if false advertising of drinks occurs (serving water as alcohol), that could constitute fraud. Restaurants participating risk their licenses if caught.

🗣️ COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE:
One Bangalore resident (22F) reported meeting a woman (24F) who openly described this as her "side business" after a few conversations. When the offer to join was declined, the person stopped coming around. This suggests these networks actively recruit.

💡 FOR EXPATS SPECIFICALLY:
• You may be seen as higher-value targets due to perceived wealth
• Language barriers can make it harder to spot red flags
• Unfamiliarity with local pricing can be exploited
• You're less likely to know which venues are legitimate

🌐 BROADER BANGALORE SCENE:
Bangalore's vibrant nightlife and tech-driven dating culture unfortunately also creates opportunities for such schemes. The city has numerous legitimate restaurants and genuine people, but awareness is key to avoiding scams.

📢 WHAT TO DO IF SCAMMED:
• Report to the restaurant management (if different from scammers)
• File a police complaint for fraud
• Report the profile on the dating app
• Share your experience (anonymously if needed) to warn others
• Contact consumer protection forums
• Leave honest reviews warning others

✅ REMEMBER:
Most people on dating apps are genuine and looking for real connections. Don't let this make you overly paranoid, just be smart and cautious. Trust your gut, suggest your own venues, and don't feel pressured to overspend.

Stay safe out there, Bangalore! Share this with friends who are dating in the city.

Have you encountered similar schemes? Share your experiences (anonymously) in the comments to help protect others.

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