Mumbai/Bengaluru: A worrying trend in the world of scams has emerged in major metro cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai called the ‘restaurant dating scams’.
According to several ordeals narrated by users on social media platforms and reported in several reports, people meeting strangers through dating apps or social platforms are ending up with hugely inflated bills at eateries they would never normally choose and are then pressured or intimidated into paying. These instances are not isolated. They are a part of a rising scam trend that preys on social discomfort and trust, leaving victims ashamed, financially drained, and reluctant to go on dates in the future. It affects not just one's ego but also one's pocket, emotions, bank account, and trust.
When People Shared Their Stories Online
Across Reddit and other social media platforms like X, users have openly described how what seemed like a casual first meet turned into an unbelievably costly date. Here are some widely discussed examples:Rs 18,000 Bill After First Meet-Up
A Reddit user shared how a casual meet-up arranged through a dating app ended with an Rs 18,000 bill for a few drinks and basic food items. The user and many commenters said it was a known scam, where the date and the restaurant allegedly work together to inflate bills.
Rs 8,000 Scam at Wasabi Lounge, Bengaluru
Another Reddit post described a Bumble match insisting on meeting at Wasabi Lounge in Bengaluru. The woman reportedly ordered expensive drinks without showing the menu, and the final bill came to around Rs 8,000, much higher than expected.
Rs 24,000 Bill After Date in Mumbai
A Reddit thread went viral after a Mumbai man said his Aisle dating app meet-up near Upvan Lake ended with a bill of over Rs 24,000. After the payment, the woman allegedly cut off contact completely.
Mumbai: More Than Just Online Stories
In Mumbai, these ‘restaurant dating scams’ have gone beyond social media complaints and led to police action several times. One of the examples is of a gang operating around Borivli that was busted after allegedly using fake dating profiles to lure men to specific bars and lounges.
Restaurant staff were accused of inflating bills and intimidating victims into paying, as per a TOI report.
Police arrested 22 people, including a restaurant manager, in connection with the racket. Investigators said such scams often involve coordination between fake profiles and venue staff.
Bengaluru: Online Meets Gone Wrong
‘India’s Silicon Valley’, Bengaluru, has also seen a rise in such complaints linked to dating apps. Alongside Reddit accounts of cafe and bar scams, news reports show how online contact can escalate into serious financial scams.In one case, a young man from the city was extorted of Rs 1 lakh after sharing personal contact details online and being blackmailed.
How To Identify and Avoid Restaurant Dating Scams
If you are planning to meet someone from a dating app or social platform, these practical steps can help reduce the risk:Red Flags
- The other person insists on a specific restaurant or bar
- They avoid checking menu prices together
- The venue has very few or suspicious online reviews
- You are pressured to pay the full bill
Before the Date
- Choose a well-known café or restaurant
- Check reviews and menu prices in advance
- Share your plans and live location with someone you trust
Questions to Ask
- “Shall we split the bill?”
- “Can we check the menu together?”
- “Have you been here before?”
What to Avoid
- Meeting in remote or unfamiliar areas
- Paying via UPI or cash without verifying the bill
- Staying if something feels uncomfortable or suspicious
