‘Rent-a-Boyfriend’ Offers on Social Media Could Be Cybercrime Traps: Sajjanar

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has warned women and young people against falling for “rent-a-boyfriend” offers circulating on social media, saying cybercriminals could be using such advertisements to lure victims into financial fraud and blackmail.

The advertisements feature attractive photographs of young men and promote companionship for coffee, movies, shopping, events and weddings. Some even promise privacy and special discounts, including an “August 1 Special – 50% Discount” offer, to make the schemes appear legitimate.

Sajjanar said fraudsters may display attractive packages such as ₹499 for a one-hour coffee meeting, ₹1,249 for a movie date, ₹1,499 for shopping companionship, ₹1,999 for events or weddings and ₹4,499 for a 10-hour full-day package. Interested users are asked to contact the advertisers through direct messages and make bookings.

However, the photographs used in these profiles may not belong to real people. AI-generated images or pictures downloaded from the internet could be used to create convincing identities, the Commissioner cautioned.

Victims may initially be asked to pay a security deposit, advance payment or booking fee. After receiving the money, fraudsters may block the victim or demand additional payments. In other cases, they could collect phone numbers, personal photographs and other information during online conversations and later use them for threats or blackmail.

Sajjanar urged women not to trust strangers solely on the basis of online chats or attractive profiles and advised them never to make advance payments to unverified individuals or meet unknown people privately.

He also called on parents to remain vigilant about their children's social-media activity and online contacts.

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police are monitoring such deceptive advertisements and will take legal action against those involved. Victims or anyone spotting suspicious posts can report them by calling 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.