DON’T DISCLOSE PHONE NUMBER ON DATING SITES: POLICE

The Cyberabad police on Tuesday cautioned people against disclosing their personal phone numbers on dating applications and social media platforms following the discovery of a new scam by inter-state gangsters from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. According to Cyberabad police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, the conmen set up a video call with a woman to random WhatsApp numbers. If the victim picks up, the women begins undressing to lure the victim.

“Once the victim falls in their trap, they record the video and threaten to post it on social media if the victim doesn’t pay up,” Sajjanar said.

Generally, the gangs collect the victims’ contact details from dating applications and identify their social media accounts, and details of their friends and family members.

“In most cases they target reputable and financially sound persons who can afford to pay ransom. Hence, the police advise netizens to not pick up video calls from unknown numbers, and to not reveal data on social media apps,” the official said. Those who are being targeted can approach the police, the police commissioner said.

● “ONCE THE victim falls in their trap, they record the video and threaten to post it on social media if the victim doesn’t pay up,” police commissioner Sajjanar said.

● GENERALLY, THE gangs collect the victims’ contact details from dating applications and identify their social media accounts, and details of their friends and family members and blackmail them.