A man from Mumbai fell prey to a scam, losing Rs 61,000 after his date which went wrong at The Godfather Club in Andheri West. This incident has come to light on a wider scheme targeting men through dating apps and upscale restaurants, leaving them financially exploited and humiliated.
The scam typically begins with a dating app like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, or OkCupid, leading to a costly meet-up that turns into a financial trap.
Activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj highlighted this alleged scam on her social media handle X. She stated that men connect with women on these dating apps, who quickly suggest meeting in person. The meetings are usually arranged at luxurious venues like 'The Godfather Club.' Once the women order expensive items, often not listed on the menu, such as premium liquor or hookah. She leaves abruptly, citing an emergency, leaving the men to cover the exorbitant bill, as per the allegations.
Date 'Scam' Cases: Victims Coerced To Pay Exorbitant Bills
The amounts involved are substantial, with bills reported between Rs 23,000 and Rs 61,000. Photos of receipts shared by Activist Bhardwaj underscored the high costs. She stated that men who resist paying are reportedly threatened by the staff or bouncers of the club, compelling them to pay out of fear and embarrassment.
Bhardwaj's post added that 'The Godfather Club' isn't the only venue involved. She hinted at a larger network of nightclubs in Mumbai using public relations staff who hire women to lure men into these expensive and intimidating situations. Similar scams have also been reported in other major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.