Tinder Trap: Man Duped into Paying ₹1.2 Lakh at Delhi Café

In an unsettling turn of events, a man's quest for companionship on Tinder led to a shocking scam. This aspiring civil service candidate matched with a woman named Varsha, hoping for a pleasant evening. However, what awaited him was an experience fraught with deceit, culminating in a staggering loss of ₹1.2 lakh.

The Deceptive Encounter

The man arranged to meet Varsha at the Black Mirror Café on Vikas Marg, where they planned to celebrate her birthday on June 23. The evening began innocuously, with snacks, cakes, and a few shots of fruit wine for Varsha. Yet, without warning, Varsha claimed a family emergency and left abruptly. What followed was an unbelievable bill of ₹1,21,917.70.

The Shock and Coercion

Astounded by the bill, the man questioned its validity. He was promptly threatened, forced into transferring the amount online. The payment went to Akshay Pahwa, one of the café owners. The police, alerted by the man's swift complaint, arrested Akshay. During interrogation, Akshay disclosed that the café's operations involved a disturbing scam.

The Culprits Unveiled

Akshay revealed that the café was owned by himself, his cousin Vansh Pahwa, and their friend, Ansh Grover. The café employed several "table managers," including Aryan, an unemployed Class 7 dropout. The real identity of Varsha was unveiled as Afsan Parveen, also known by aliases Aaysha or Noor.

The Unraveling of a Scam

With technical surveillance, the police apprehended Afsan at another café, where she was on a 'date' with another victim. Afsan admitted that Aryan had posed as Varsha, luring the civil service aspirant with a deceptive one-time view picture. This led to the birthday celebration at Laxmi Nagar.

The Modus Operandi

The scam was meticulously organized. The exorbitant bills were divided among the scammers: 15% to the girl, 45% between the table and café managers, and the remaining 40% to the owners. Such schemes are prevalent in major metro cities, targeting unsuspecting individuals through dating apps. These "table managers" create fake profiles, lure victims, and extort money through threats and coercion.

Ongoing Investigations

The police continue their investigation, seeking to apprehend other co-accused. This incident underscores the need for vigilance when engaging in online dating, as such scams exploit the unsuspecting, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress.