Hyderabad Police warn of Rent Boyfriend scam
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Aug 08, 2026 · Last updated Aug 10, 2026
The scam is a localized cyber fraud warning with minimal direct market impact. It may slightly raise awareness of cyber risks and prompt increased vigilance among social media users, but it does not affect major financial markets.
India — Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar issued a public warning on social media about a new cyber fraud called the 'Rent Boyfriend' scam. The scam involves attractive advertisements on platforms like Meta Platforms — Instagram, Telegram, and Meta Platforms offering paid companionship services, such as coffee dates, movie outings, and shopping trips, often with discounts like '50% OFF'. Fraudsters use AI-generated or internet-sourced photos of handsome men to create convincing profiles. Once a woman contacts them, they demand advance payments, security deposits, or booking confirmation fees, collected via digital wallets or QR codes, and then block the victim. Police warn that sharing personal information, phone numbers, and photos can lead to blackmail and physical safety risks. The Hyderabad Cyber Crime wing is monitoring the advertisements and will take legal action. Victims are advised to report incidents through the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the national cybercrime reporting portal.
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