A 26-year-old Bengaluru resident fell victim to an elaborate online scam, losing nearly Rs 30 lakh after befriending a fraudster posing as an American doctor on a dating application. The incident, which unfolded over several months, involved fake airport officials and a fabricated story about customs detention.
The Beginning of the Deception
On July 21 last year, the victim connected with a user identifying himself as Dr. John Martine on the dating platform Grindr. The two quickly exchanged mobile numbers and began regular conversations. The accused, claiming to be a US-based doctor, gradually built the victim's trust through consistent communication.
The Scam Unfolds
The fraud took a dramatic turn when the fake doctor informed the victim that he was planning to travel to India to meet him. He shared what appeared to be a legitimate flight ticket, indicating his arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on August 10, 2025. The following day, the victim received a message claiming the doctor had landed but was detained by customs officials for carrying $240,000 in cash. The scammer requested Indian currency to pay customs charges.
Shortly after, a woman impersonating an airport official contacted the victim, demanding payments for various fees, including customs clearance, currency conversion, anti-money laundering verification, insurance charges, and security deposits. The fake doctor also repeatedly spoke to the victim, promising to repay the money upon their meeting.
Financial Losses
Believing the story, the victim transferred money in multiple transactions to several bank accounts provided by the fraudsters, including one belonging to a person identified as Vivek Kumar. These transfers continued until September last year, totaling Rs 29.8 lakh. It was only after exhausting his funds that the victim realized he had been scammed. When he refused to make further payments, the fraudsters emotionally blackmailed him, claiming that Dr. Martine would not be released unless all charges were paid.
Reporting the Crime
The victim contacted the national cybercrime helpline (1930) and filed an online complaint. On June 1 this year, he lodged a formal complaint with the South cybercrime police. A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Safety Tips
- Be cautious when interacting with people on dating platforms, especially those claiming to be foreign professionals.
- Never transfer money to someone you have not met in person, regardless of the reason provided.
- Be wary of stories involving customs detention, gifts, foreign currency, medical emergencies, or trading opportunities.
- If someone pressures you for quick payments or repeatedly asks for money, treat it as a major red flag.
- Report suspected cyber fraud immediately by calling the 1930 helpline.
