Dating apps have become a popular way to meet new people, but in India, a recent surge in scams has left many unsuspecting men paying the price—literally. Journalist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj recently shed light on a widespread online dating scam that has been trapping men looking for love and leaving them with exorbitant bills. At the center of this scandal is a popular Mumbai restaurant, The Godfather Club, located in Andheri West.
The Scam Unfolds
According to Bhardwaj’s viral social media post, the scam begins on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OKCupid. Men are lured into dates by women who appear interested but have a hidden agenda. Once at the chosen venue, often The Godfather Club, the women order costly items that aren’t on the menu, spend a short amount of time with their dates, and then make a hasty exit, leaving the men with shockingly high bills—some as much as Rs 61,000.
Bhardwaj shared images of these bills to emphasize the seriousness of the scam. She revealed that 12 victims have come forward, with three men reportedly trapped by the same woman, facing bills ranging from Rs 23,000 to Rs 61,000.
🚨 MUMBAI DATING SCAM EXPOSE 🚨
THE GODFATHER CLUB ANDHERI WEST
◾BRAZEN SCAMMING EVERYDAY
◾12 victims in touch
◾Trap laid through Tinder, Bumble
◾Bill amounts 23K- 61K
◾3 men trapped by same girl@MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice @mymalishka @CMOMaharashtra@zomato pic.twitter.com/qGOacFCE9f— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 23, 2024
I’ve exposed many clubs but this one seems to be the baap of all
Nothing less than 10 targets daily
Many people have filed cyber complaints, called cops on spot, told these girls they’ll be exposed but it continues
How are u still listing them @zomato despite such reviews ? pic.twitter.com/AaN0sqiemF
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 23, 2024
How the Scam Works
The modus operandi is alarmingly simple. After matching on a dating app, the scammer pushes for a quick meeting at a specific venue, typically The Godfather. During the date, the woman orders drinks, hookah, fire shots, and other expensive items without presenting the menu to her date. The man, unaware of the costs, is handed a hefty bill after the woman abruptly leaves. With no other option, he is either forced to pay or faces intimidation from the restaurant’s bouncers.
Exactly same stories posted by hundreds of men but @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice seem to be snoozing
Happening right under Bandra Police nose but they don’t care to investigate even after formal complaints lodged by victims last time I exposed other club@TOIMumbai @Khanmidday pic.twitter.com/bvPFRdDTxJ
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 23, 2024
Growing Concern and Lack of Action
Bhardwaj’s post has sparked widespread concern, with many men sharing similar stories of being scammed in other major cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. Despite the increasing number of victims, Bhardwaj claims that the Mumbai Police have been slow to take action. “Exactly the same stories posted by hundreds of men, but @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice seem to be snoozing. Happening right under Bandra Police’s nose, but they don’t care to investigate even after formal complaints lodged by victims the last time I exposed other clubs,” she wrote.
As this issue continues to gain attention, the hope is that authorities will take swift action to prevent further exploitation and bring those responsible to justice. For now, it serves as a stark reminder to be cautious when meeting strangers online and to always be aware of potential online dating scam.