Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens, especially young women and girls, about a new cyber fraud dubbed the "Rent a Boyfriend" scam, which is spreading through social media platforms.

According to the police, fraudsters are using Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram to post attractive advertisements offering temporary companion services under titles such as "Rent Boyfriend Your Personal Companion." Authorities say these advertisements are designed to lure users into financial scams rather than provide any genuine service.

How The Scam Works

Police said scammers create fake profiles using AI-generated images or stolen photographs of attractive men. These profiles advertise different companionship packages, including coffee dates, movie outings, shopping companions, and event partners, often at discounted prices.

Once a person expresses interest, the fraudsters begin chatting with the victim to gain their trust. They then ask for advance payments in the name of registration charges, security deposits, booking fees, or verification costs, usually through QR codes or digital payment applications.

After receiving the money, the scammers immediately block the victim and disappear, leaving them with financial losses and no way to recover the payment.

Police Advisory

Hyderabad Police have urged citizens not to trust such advertisements or transfer money to unknown individuals online. Authorities also advised people to verify the authenticity of online profiles before interacting with them and to avoid

sharing personal or financial information with strangers on social media.

The advisory further cautioned parents to remain aware of their children's online activities and the kind of content they engage with on social media platforms.

Stay Safe Online

Police have issued the following safety tips:

• Avoid responding to advertisements offering paid companionship services.
• Never transfer money to unknown individuals for advance booking or registration.
• Verify online profiles before interacting with them.
• Do not share personal information, OTPs, banking details, or identity documents with strangers.
• Report suspicious profiles and advertisements immediately to the Cyber Crime Police or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Officials said awareness remains the strongest defence against online fraud and urged citizens to remain cautious while using social media platforms.