Delhi Man Impersonates US Model, Defrauds Hundreds on Dating Apps
A 23-year-old man from Delhi, identified as Tushar Singh Bisht, has been arrested for allegedly deceiving over 700 women by posing as a US-based model on various dating platforms. Operating primarily through Bumble and Snapchat, Bisht fabricated an online persona to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims, leading to significant financial and emotional exploitation.
Bisht's modus operandi involved creating a compelling profile featuring photos of an American model, which he used without authorization. He engaged women in conversations, building rapport over time. Once trust was established, he would fabricate distressing scenarios, such as urgent financial needs or personal emergencies, prompting his victims to transfer money to him. Authorities have reported that he managed to deceive approximately 500 women on Bumble and an additional 200 on Snapchat.
The arrest was made in the Shakarpur area of East Delhi following a detailed investigation initiated after multiple complaints were filed by victims who realized they had been duped. Law enforcement officials tracked Bisht's digital footprint, leading to his apprehension. During interrogation, he confessed to the crimes, revealing that he had been orchestrating the scam for several months.
This case highlights a growing trend of individuals exploiting online dating platforms for fraudulent activities. The anonymity provided by the internet allows scammers to create convincing fake identities, making it challenging for victims to discern genuine profiles from fraudulent ones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has noted a significant increase in romance scams, with losses reported by victims reaching record highs in recent years.
In response to such incidents, cybersecurity experts advise users of dating apps to exercise caution when interacting with individuals online. Recommendations include verifying the authenticity of profiles, being wary of individuals who avoid in-person meetings or video calls, and refraining from sending money to people they have not met personally. Additionally, users are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to the platform administrators and local law enforcement agencies.
The psychological impact on victims of such scams can be profound, often leading to feelings of betrayal, embarrassment, and financial distress. Support groups and counseling services are available for individuals affected by online fraud, providing assistance in coping with the aftermath of such experiences.