Dating App Scam: Businessman Loses Lakhs to Online Lover

A city-based businessman, aged 52, has been allegedly defrauded of Rs 53.30 lakh by a woman who initiated contact through a dating app. The complainant, who operates in logistics and marketing, was approached by a user identifying as 'Priyanka Gupta' from Juhu. They began communicating, and the woman expressed a desire to marry a businessman.

She proposed investing in a gold trading firm, 'Market Axess Company', promising substantial returns. Over time, the businessman invested a total of Rs 53.30 lakh. While his account displayed a virtual balance of Rs 1.08 crore, he was asked to deposit an additional 30% to withdraw funds, which he could not arrange.

Upon realizing the investment was a scam and unable to recover his principal, the businessman filed a complaint with the police. A First Information Report has been registered against two unidentified individuals for cheating and offenses under the Information Technology Act, with an investigation currently in progress.