A new online fraud tactic has reportedly surfaced in Bengaluru, targeting users on popular dating platforms like Tinder and Bumble through fake cab payment requests.

The trend came to light after a social media handle, @GharKeKalesh, shared screenshots on X detailing how the scam operates. According to the viral post, the scam unfolds after two users match on a dating app and agree to meet in person. The woman then asks the man to cover her transportation costs, claiming her bank server fails at night or that she does not trust him enough to settle the fare in person upon arrival. She then insists that he transfer the money directly to the driver in advance.

???? NEW DATING SCAM ALERT IN BENGALURU

Several men are reportedly being targeted through Tinder and Bumble.

The pattern is simple: after matching, the woman agrees to meet but first asks the guy to pay for her cab. Later, she claims she doesn’t trust him and asks him to pay the… pic.twitter.com/TmBlm5PXTO

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) August 12, 2026

To make the request appear legitimate, scammers share edited screenshots displaying fake booking details, driver names, and fare amounts, along with a payment QR code. Once the victim transfers the advance fare, the user allegedly blocks them across platforms and disappears.

The post sparked widespread discussion online, drawing mixed reactions. While several users pointed out the red flags and cautioned against sending money to strangers, others debated the broader patterns of online dating scams, with some users sharing similar personal experiences involving inflated billings at meetup locations in other metro cities.

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