Hyderabad Police Expose Scam Behind Viral 'Boyfriend for a Day' Ads Targeting Women

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Hyderabad police issue a public alert about a surge in cyber fraud schemes using social media ads offering “rental companionship” services.

The Scam Unveiled

Hyderabad police have issued a public alert regarding a surge in cyber fraud schemes leveraging social media advertisements offering “rental companionship” services. Authorities indicate that malicious actors are deploying deceptive ads and fabricated profiles on platforms such as Instagram and Telegram to target female users.

AI-Generated Profiles

These campaigns typically present services ranging from brief social engagements like coffee meetings or movie outings to extended companionship arrangements for events such as weddings. A key component of the scheme involves the use of artificial intelligence to generate photorealistic images of attractive individuals, which are then used to create convincing online personas.

Payment Tactics

Victims often engage with these profiles through public comments or direct messages before being redirected to private messaging channels. Scammers then cultivate a sense of trust through prolonged conversations before requesting payments for booking confirmations, advance fees, or security deposits. Payment processing in these schemes frequently involves QR codes or digital wallet transactions.

Risks and Consequences

Once funds are transferred, perpetrators typically cease communication, block victims, or delete their profiles entirely. In such cases, victims report receiving neither the promised services nor any refund. Police have highlighted that the consequences of these scams extend beyond financial loss, as personal data shared during interactions—such as phone numbers, photographs, addresses, and social media details—may be exploited for harassment, blackmail, or further cybercrimes.

Data Exploitation

A specific risk involves the acquisition of private photographs or sensitive information during conversations. Criminals may use these materials to extort victims or threaten them with public exposure. Authorities have explicitly advised women to avoid sharing intimate images, personal details, or location information with strangers online.

Police Advice and Expert Warnings

Police have reiterated that suspiciously low-cost offers or overly attractive promotions should be approached with skepticism. They recommend that users independently verify the authenticity of services by examining social media account histories, contact information, and other indicators of credibility. However, they caution that these checks alone cannot guarantee a profile’s legitimacy.

Expert Insights

“Cybercrime experts, including former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh, have noted that romance-based scams often begin with efforts to build trust and transition conversations to private channels. Once trust is established, perpetrators may exploit it to extract money, personal data, or sensitive information. Prof. Singh emphasized that users should not assume an online offer is genuine simply because it appears professionally presented. He also highlighted red flags such as repeated payment requests, demands for secrecy, or pressure to meet in person as potential indicators of fraud.”

Public Response and Reporting

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Cell has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Victims are advised to contact the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline and file complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting is critical for investigators to trace financial transactions and preserve digital evidence.

Conclusion

The proliferation of “rental companion” advertisements underscores the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who are increasingly targeting personal needs and social media trends rather than traditional financial schemes. Authorities continue to monitor these activities and encourage users to exercise caution before making payments, sharing private information, or agreeing to meet strangers based on online interactions.