Fake Companion Ads Trigger Cybercrime Warning in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, August 11, 2026: Hyderabad Police have cautioned women and young social media users against responding to fake companion-service advertisements. The warning follows the circulation of posts offering “boyfriends for rent” through Instagram, Facebook and Telegram.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar highlighted the scam in a post on X. According to the warning, fraudsters publish professionally designed advertisements featuring attractive men and offers for coffee dates, shopping trips, movie outings and other forms of companionship.
The profiles and photographs used in these promotions may not be genuine. Some images could be created using artificial intelligence, while others may be copied from legitimate accounts without the owners’ knowledge.
Fake bookings used to collect payments
After a user contacts one of the advertised accounts, the operator starts a friendly conversation and presents different service packages. This interaction is intended to build trust and make the offer appear legitimate.
The scammer then asks the user to pay a registration charge, refundable security deposit or advance booking fee. Payment requests are commonly sent through QR codes or digital payment applications.
Once the victim authorises the transaction, the account may stop responding or block further communication. In some cases, the information collected during the conversation could be used for additional fraud attempts.
Police warned users not to share personal photographs, phone numbers, home addresses or identification documents with unknown profiles. Such information can expose victims to identity theft, harassment, blackmail and threats. Agreeing to meet an unverified person can also create physical safety concerns.
Reporting suspicious accounts and financial fraud
Users should verify an account before starting a conversation or making a payment. Newly created profiles, copied photographs, unrealistic discounts, urgent payment demands and requests for secrecy are common warning signs.
Before authorising any digital transaction, users should confirm the recipient’s name, payment amount and purpose. Scanning a QR code and entering a UPI PIN generally authorises a payment; it is not required to receive money.
People who discover suspicious companion advertisements should save screenshots, account names, profile links, telephone numbers and payment details. The material can be submitted while filing a cybercrime complaint.
Anyone who loses money should immediately contact the bank or payment provider and call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930. Complaints can also be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Rapid reporting may help authorities trace the transaction or freeze the transferred funds before they are moved elsewhere.
