Online dating has been the home to many scams, some so dangerous that they can ironically leave you homeless. Yes, financial frauds and online dating scams are buddies now. Blind dates, catfishing, and identity theft are some of the regular con tricks online love buddies have to face.
But now a more serious racket is being discovered at a few meet-cute places or clubs in New Delhi, Gurgaon and Mumbai. The police have discovered patterns in how these men have to empty their pockets on fake dates.
Father of Scams: The Godfather Club
The Godfather Club is a hang-out and eat-in place that is always buzzing with drinks and music. Located in Mumbai's Andheri West, it has become the go-to residence for scams.
Recently it has gone viral on social media after activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj took to X and narrated the incident of a man who had to pay Rs 61,000 on a fake date. As this is not the first time the club has faced scrutiny in the news, it has been brought under investigation.
A similar pattern in all fraud dates discovered
As revealed by Deepika in the post above, 3 men were trapped by the same girl whom they met on dating apps. After both parties arrive at the Club, the girl reportedly orders a bunch of pricey eateries and drinks. After engaging in the meal and conversation for the time being, she feigns an emergency and leaves abruptly. Leaving the man with only one companion, the bill. The bill is often very high close to Rs 50,000-60,000. When the man refuses to pay, he is often threatened and silenced by the staff and the bouncers.
This leads to him paying the bill finally and just escaping for his life, and a little pride.
Deepika Bhardwaj, who has directed a documentary film called India's Sons said, "These aren't men scamming men in the guise of a woman online. These are real women confidently scamming a guy every single day. Some guys did try to report them but then the WOMAN CARD, and they got scared."
She also recounts, "I've exposed many clubs, but this one seems the BAAP of all. Nothing less than 10 targets daily. Many people have filed cyber complaints, called cops on spot, told these girls they will be exposed but it continues."
This is NOT the first time
It has also been revealed by Bhardwaj that the fraud at The Godfather Club is not a one-time thing, nor is it the only place where such scams are occurring.
She feels "The Godfather Club may be part of an extended racket of nightclubs that hire women and get their fake dates to order big and keep money flowing in the club through them."
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