Mumbai Tinder Scam Busted: Friends’ Sting Leads to 8 Arrests at Andheri Café
Gang Used Fake Profiles to Trap Victims
Police Warn Users to Stay Alert on Dating Apps
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: March 18, 2026:
In a dramatic turn of events, a group of ten friends in Mumbai turned detectives to expose a Tinder dating scam operating out of Heaven Terrace 72 Café in Sakinaka, Andheri East. Their sting operation, carried out on March 13, 2026, led to a police raid and the arrest of eight accused. The scam involved fake Tinder profiles of women who lured unsuspecting men to the café, where they were forced to pay exorbitant bills under intimidation.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
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- Fake Profiles: Women’s photos were used to create fake Tinder accounts.
- Invitation to Café: Victims were invited to meet at the café near Sakinaka Metro.
- Expensive Orders: Once inside, the women ordered costly liquor and food—sometimes six tequila shots in under 40 minutes.
- Inflated Bills: Victims were presented with bills ranging from ₹18,000 to ₹30,000.
- Threats & Intimidation: Those who resisted were threatened by café staff and bouncers with false sexual assault allegations.
- Illegal Operation: The café was found to be operating without a valid license.
Police identified Nitesh Ambaskar as the main accused, with several members of the gang reportedly from Delhi and nearby regions.
How the Sting Was Conducted
- Victim Pankaj Yadav, a textile businessman, lost ₹15,000 in a similar scam earlier.
- His group of friends created decoy Tinder profiles to trap the gang.
- One friend went on a date with a suspected scammer and alerted police during the meeting.
- The police, led by DCP Datta Nalawade, raided the café and arrested eight people.
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Legal Action
- Police registered cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
- Charges include cheating, intimidation, and unlawful business practices.
- More suspects are still wanted, and investigations are ongoing.
Precautions for Tinder and Dating App Users
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, users should:
- Verify profiles carefully: Look for inconsistencies or suspicious behaviour.
- Avoid meeting at unknown cafés or bars suggested by strangers.
- Inform friends or family before going on a date.
- Check reviews of venues before visiting.
- Refuse to pay inflated bills and call the police immediately if threatened.
- Report suspicious profiles directly on Tinder or other dating apps.
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