Author: Anjir Solanki, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
TO THE POINT
With the advent of social inclusivity, anxiety-dating applications have become popular amongst people to explore relationships for companionship with reduced familial interference and creating bonds in a jiffy. However, these platforms have also become fertile ground for scammers, who wait to swindle and seize opportunities by using AI-generated content to create fake profiles. They tend to use an encrypted messaging platform, mimicking popular dating sites’ user interface and fabricated payment receipts. The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has advised the public about matrimonial and dating app cons and to tackle cybercrimes by reporting them to the appropriate official website (https://cybercrime.gov.in/). The methodology used by scammers involves psychological manipulation, advanced technological tools, identifying, isolating, and targeting the vulnerability of people. Tactics such as love bombing- excessive affection, appearing genuine and caring, often proposing marriage or future meetings, and many more. This affects and destroys the lives of many, alleging not the work of an individual but of an organisation or syndicate.
ABSTRACT
This article delves into escalating dating scams- a cybercrime plotted by fraudsters, masterminds using NRI impersonation, emergency financial requests, and investment with the help of AI to create hyper-realistic profiles and voice, also fake interfaces where the victim deposits money but withdrawal is delayed or blocked. They also engage in requesting or sending explicit photos or videos, which is used for extortion or exposing intimate content publicly or to family if they refuse to comply, leading to an emotional toll on the victim. The article further draws statistical data and legal frameworks such as The Information Technology Act, 2000; Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. It provides guidance and a redressal mechanism for victims. Instead of suffering in silence, it is better to report it or share with someone you trust. They may get innovative, but we have to be smarter.
LEGAL JARGONS
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023- this act aims to protect data principals (whose data is processed by companies) in this case the dating apps to protect personal information of users, using only consented data or prevent leakage etc. violating it may result into penalties for the data fiduciaries (those who process the data), the data principal has rights to erase, transfer, and correct personal data, grievance redressal etc.
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023- Section 308- to extort money or valuable security from victims using fear, threat, and causing injury is extortion.
Section 318- Defines cheating as deceiving someone to gain an unfair advantage, typically resulting in financial loss or loss of property and harm to body, mind, or reputation.
Section 319- Defines cheating by impersonation where one person or another represents and pretends to be than what they are not.
Information Technology Act, 2000- Section 43- imposes penalties for unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, and databases, including downloading/copying data without permission, introducing viruses, or causing damage. Offenders are liable to pay compensation.
Section 66- Defines and penalizes cybercrime offenses like hacking, identity theft, fake social media profiles, and online fraud if conducted with dishonest or fraudulent intent. Sending offensive messages or capturing private content of a victim without consent, violating the privacy by publishing obscene material or a sexual act, etc, with appropriate punishments defined under Chapter XI offences
Section 72- Punishes the intermediary/ third party for the disclosure of personal information without consent, especially sensitive data that could compromise privacy or security, or for wrongful gain/loss. Punishment includes imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
And other such offences under Chapter XI offences
PROOF
A recent report has revealed that online dating scams are seriously affecting how much people trust those they meet on apps and social media. About 84% of users said that scams involving deepfake messages, videos, voice clips, and images have made them more cautious while dating online.
In India, nearly 70% of people said they’ve come across suspicious profiles—either with fake details or photos that seemed too perfect to be real had been scammed to buy expensive gifts or send money. Around 34% admitted to talking to someone they thought was a genuine match, only to later find out it was a scam. Meanwhile, 28% ended up chatting with what seemed like a real person but turned out to be a chatbot pretending to be interested, as per the McAfee report.
According to a Moody’s report, India ranked third globally, where it accounted for 12%, after the U.S. and Nigeria, in terms of newly created fake romance profiles.
To ensure the victim’s safety and fair justice, they should collect and preserve all relevant evidence from the moment they suspect a scam. Such as screenshots of all digital communications (chat logs, emails, messages). Transaction IDs and details, bank statements, fraudulent messages, or any other interactions with the scammer.
They should always cross-check the profiles using the Google Lens option or from social media, to always meet in public places if first time, and if anything is suspicious, report it immediately.
CASE LAWS
Suhas Katti v. State of Tamil Nadu (2004)— The accused was charged under Section 67 for creating a fake email account in the name of a divorced woman and publishing offensive and defamatory comments about her in a Yahoo chat group, which was the first conviction under the IT Act.
Shreya Singhal v. UOI (2015)—The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, which allowed for arrests for sharing “offensive” content online. That violated freedom of speech; it was declared vague, but it provided scope for crimes online, such as harassment and fraud.
K.S. Puttaswamy v. UOI (2017)— In this landmark case, the Right to Privacy was established as a fundamental right, which is crucial in dating scams where one’s privacy may be infringed by fraudsters consisting of personal data, messages, and images.
A 57-year-old Indian American woman in the Bay Area lost around $300,000. Through emotional conversation, the scammer seemed trustworthy, and she met him on a dating app. After that, he gained her trust and started requesting money.
After contributing substantial sums, she discovered she had been duped and informed the authorities. Authorities advise people to exercise caution while dating online, particularly if someone quickly gains emotional trust and begins requesting money.
According to the news, a man from Delhi posed as a US model on apps like Snapchat and Bumble and duped 700 women. By conversing with them and gaining their trust, he convinced many women to send him money or intimate photos. If they didn’t comply, he threatened to sell it on the dark web or post it. This case highlights the growing misuse of dating apps and the need for users to adopt caution when using them.
CONCLUSION
Even though dating platforms provide avenues for connection, companionship, and love, but also a breeding ground for cybercrimes. Dating scams are not just about conning; they involve deep psychological manipulation, often using fake identities, emotional baiting, and now, even AI-generated videos, voices, and photos, causing financial loss and emotional trauma.
The Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, supported by newer laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, provide a legal framework to respond to cyber fraud. Why are scammers less convicted? Because these crimes often happen across borders, involve fake identities, and require high levels of technical evidence, which our police and legal systems are still catching up to handle. That’s why we need to stay one step ahead by having advanced tools, remaining alert and cautious, quick action, better law enforcement and justice, also intermediaries involving dating apps for responsibility to detect such scammers early on. Only then can we create a space where trust, not fear, defines our online relationships.
FAQS
How can you spot a dating scammer?
Scammers are often smooth talkers — they might declare their love too quickly, try to rush into video calls or meet-ups, or share stories that don’t add up. Many will eventually bring up an “emergency” and ask for money, maybe for a ticket, a medical issue, or to visit you. Be alert to such profiles that seem suspicious or AI-generated.
What to do when scammed?
First of all, don’t be scared, that’s what the scammer wants. You can tell someone you trust or report it on the national cybercrime portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/), you can call the 1930 national helpline, or register an FIR at a police station.
Can you get your money back?
Yes, but timing is crucial. If you report the scam early, the authorities might be able to freeze the scammer’s account before they withdraw the money.
Are dating apps responsible for scams on their platform?
Dating apps or intermediaries under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, aren’t always liable. However, if they fail to remove fake profiles, don’t follow safety rules, or ignore complaints, they can be held responsible. They are also supposed to offer grievance channels to help users report abuse or fraud.
SOURCES
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/500-on-bumble-200-on-snapchat-delhi-man-scams-700-women-as-us-model-7396611
https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/romance-scams-ai-powered-frauds/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20Moody’s%20report,a%2014%25%20increase%20from%202023.
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/
https://indiankanoon.org/
https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/business-of-life/mcafee-india-survey-romance-dating-scam-ai-chatbots-11739599195605.html
https://diyatvusa.com/indian-american-woman-loses-300k-in-online-romance-scam/
