A new scam is getting viral on social media – ‘Boyfriend for Rent’ which has prompted a warning from Hyderabad Police, particularly for women and young girls. Advertisements offering “boyfriends for rent” or personal companionship may look attractive and convincing, but police say they could actually be a trap designed to steal money and personal information.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, IPS, recently alerted the public about the scam through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He cautioned people not to fall for attractive online advertisements that promise companion services, especially when they come with discounts or seemingly affordable packages.
How the ‘Boyfriend for Rent’ Scam Works
The scam usually begins as an advertisement posted on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or Telegram and these fraudsters may use catchy names such as “Rent Boyfriend – Your Personal Companion” and post photographs of attractive men so that their service looks genuine. However, the photographs themselves may not be real. Police have warned that scammers can use AI-generated images or pictures stolen from other people’s social media profiles.
The advertisements may offer different packages, such as:
- Coffee dates
- Movie companions
- Shopping companions
- Personal companion services
- Other customised meet-up services
Once someone shows interest, the person behind the account may start chatting with them and provide details about the supposed service. The conversation can seem completely normal at first. The scam usually becomes apparent when the person is asked to make an advance payment.
Scammers may demand money under different names, including registration charges, safety deposits, booking fees or advance payments. They may send a QR code or ask the victim to transfer money through a digital payment app.
After receiving the payment, the scammer may suddenly disappear, block the victim and stop responding to calls and messages.
Hyderabad Police Warn Women and Parents
The police warning is not limited to financial fraud. Authorities are also concerned about the personal safety risks involved when people interact with unknown individuals online.
In his warning, VC Sajjanar urged girls and parents to be careful about what they see and share on social media and who they communicate with online.
Parents, in particular, have been advised to remain aware of their children’s online activities and to have open conversations about the risks of interacting with strangers on social media.
The message is especially important because scammers often rely on curiosity, attractive offers and the promise of personal attention to gain a person’s trust.
Sharing Personal Details Can Create Bigger Problems
Money is not the only thing victims could lose in such scams. A person who contacts a fake companion-service account may end up sharing their phone number, photographs, social media profile, location or other personal details and these details could be misused for blackmail, harassment or other forms of cybercrime.
There is also a physical safety risk if someone agrees to meet a person they have only interacted with online. A profile photo or social media account does not necessarily prove that the person behind it is who they claim to be.
How to Stay Safe From the Scam?
The safest way is to be cautious of unsolicited companion-service ads, especially if they ask for payment upfront. Here are some simple precautions everyone should follow:
- Do not send advance payments to unknown people offering companion services online.
- Avoid engaging with suspicious or unverified social media accounts.
- Do not scan unknown QR codes or transfer money to unfamiliar accounts.
- Never share private photographs or sensitive personal information with strangers.
- Be cautious if someone pressures you to make an immediate payment.
- Do not agree to meet an unknown person based only on a social media profile.
- Parents should talk openly with children about online scams and stranger interactions.
- Report suspicious advertisements and accounts to the social media platform.
What to Do If You Lose Money
If you have already transferred money to a suspected scammer, don’t wait to see what happens next.
Report the incident as soon as possible by calling 1930, India’s cybercrime helpline. Victims can also file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
When reporting the incident, keep screenshots of the conversation, payment details, phone numbers, social media profiles, QR codes and other information connected to the transaction. These details can help authorities investigate the complaint.
‘Boyfriend for Rent’ Scam Is a Reminder to Stay Alert
The “boyfriend for rent” scam shows how cyber criminals continue to find new ways to attract people online. Instead of using complicated hacking techniques, scammers can sometimes rely on something much simpler – an attractive advertisement and a convincing conversation.
For women and young people, the warning from Hyderabad Police is a timely reminder to think twice before trusting strangers or making payments based on social media offers.
If an online advertisement promises an unusual service at an attractive price and asks for money upfront, it is better to step back and verify it rather than take the risk.