Introduction Swiped into Danger: Navigating Scams on Gay Dating Apps in India
“Swiped into Danger: Navigating Scams on Gay Dating Apps in India”
The queer dating scene in India has changed drastically after the historic 2018 judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India which decriminalized homosexuality. For many such individuals, dating applications would feature as a means to connect or build a community, especially since most face family and societal ostracism.
The rise of gay dating apps in India has marked a transformative shift in how LGBTQIA+ individuals connect. Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder have, for example, provided spaces for socializing, networking, and forming romantic relationships. But along with progress comes challenges.
These include scams and risks to security that abound on these platforms. Users find themselves endangered, operating in an environment that often comes with societal stigma and legal ambiguity. There is a need to understand the nature and implications of these threats to ensure a safe experience online.
Types of Scams on Gay Dating Apps
- Catfishing and Identity Fraud on Gay Dating Apps
Catfishing involves users creating fake profiles to deceive others. Attractive pictures and made-up personal details are often added to deceive the targets into believing that they are genuine people. These victims are emotionally or financially exploited, sometimes for long periods under the pretense of developing a serious or genuine connection. Identity fraud also encompasses instances where scammers impersonate known individuals or public figures to manipulate users further.
- Extortion and Blackmail on Gay Dating Apps
One of the most prevalent scams involves extortion. Scammers build trust with victims and coerce them into sharing intimate pictures or videos. Once the material is acquired, the victim is blackmailed with threats of exposure to family, friends, or employers. The fear of societal backlash, especially in a conservative society like India, compels many victims to comply with the demands, often involving significant financial losses.
- Financial Frauds on Gay Dating Apps
Scammers exploit the vulnerability of users by fabricating stories of financial distress or emergencies. These can range from claiming sudden medical needs to fabricated family crises. Once trust is established, victims are emotionally manipulated into transferring money, after which the scammer disappears. In some cases, scammers may also request gift cards or digital payments, making it harder to trace the transaction.
- Honey Trapping
Honey trapping schemes involve scammers luring users into real-life meetings under false pretenses. These encounters are often premeditated setups for robbery, assault, or further blackmail. Victims may be coerced into compromising situations that are later used against them. Due to the fear of legal and social repercussions, many such incidents go unreported, emboldening scammers to continue their activities.
- Romance Scams on Gay Dating Apps
In romance scams, perpetrators pose as potential romantic partners to establish deep emotional bonds with their victims. Over time, they exploit this emotional investment to solicit money or personal favors. Unlike other scams, these often span months or even years, while the victim is unaware of the deceit until significant damage has occurred.
- Phishing Scams
Scammers often send fraudulent links through chat messages on dating apps. These links, when clicked, can lead to malware installations on the victim’s device or phishing websites designed to steal sensitive information like login credentials, banking details, or personal identification documents.
Unique Risks in the Indian Context
- Social and Cultural Pressures
The fear of being outed in Indian society creates unique vulnerabilities for dating app users. Many individuals lead double lives, making them susceptible to exploitation. Family pressure, professional consequences, and social ostracism remain serious concerns, even in urban areas.
- Geographic and Demographic Challenges
Users in smaller cities and rural areas face additional risks due to smaller dating pools and increased visibility within their communities. Limited access to LGBTQIA+ support networks and resources can make these users more vulnerable to scams and harassment.
- Legal Grey Areas
While homosexuality is legal in India, many users remain unclear about their rights and legal protections. This uncertainty can make them hesitant to report crimes or seek help when victimized through dating apps.
Recent Cases in India
Madras High Court Flags Misuse of Grindr, Suggests Government Action
The Madras High Court, in an order dated August 13, 2024, raised concerns over the use of Grindr, a social networking and dating app primarily used by the LGBTQIA+ community, in facilitating offences. Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy, while hearing the bail plea of a man accused of sexually abusing another man he met through the app and robbing him of his chain and credit card (later used to withdraw ₹1,15,000), observed that the app served “prurient and sexual interests” and was being misused for illegal activities.
The court instructed the police to report the app’s misuse to the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and recommend appropriate action, including its potential blocking. The accused was granted bail on furnishing a bond of ₹10,000 with two sureties and required to file an undertaking to delete his Grindr account and abstain from using social media. Additionally, the court directed him to surrender his phone and notify the police if he acquires a new one.
Man extorted of 1.8L through a gay dating app scam
A 35-year-old diamond planner from Pasodara village in Kamrej, Surat, was extorted of ₹1.8 lakh by four men after being lured through a gay dating app. On August 1, he connected with Mayur Parmar (23) via the app and agreed to meet near Janko Jewellers in Jagdish Nagar.
Parmar took him to an apartment, coerced him into undressing, and secretly recorded a video. Subsequently, three accomplices—Rohit Vansh (21), Bharat Gohil, and Jaydeep Vala—entered, threatened to make the video public, and forced the victim to transfer ₹1.5 lakh via UPI.
When his account was depleted, they compelled him to obtain an additional ₹30,000 from a friend. The assailants then deleted the app from his phone and warned him against reporting the incident. Varachha police have arrested Parmar and Vansh, both diamond workers, and recovered ₹80,000; efforts are ongoing to apprehend Gohil and Vala.
This incident is part of a concerning trend where individuals are targeted and extorted after connecting through gay dating apps. In a similar case in Ahmedabad, a 21-year-old man was abducted and extorted for ₹16,000 by three individuals he met via a gay dating app in Thaltej.
Noida Police Arrest Two Men for Blackmailing via Gay Dating App
In September 2024, Noida police arrested two men, Kishore and Deepak, for operating a blackmail scheme targeting individuals via a gay dating app. The duo created fake profiles to lure victims into physical relationships, secretly recorded intimate encounters, and then used the footage to extort money by threatening public exposure. Such cases highlight the emotional trauma inflicted on the victims and throw light upon the need for vigilance when engaging with anonymous profiles online.
Kanpur Police Arrest Six Students for Blackmailing via Gay Dating App
In August 2023, Kanpur police arrested six students for allegedly luring individuals through the gay dating app Blued, recording inappropriate videos, and blackmailing victims for money. The accused, aged 19 to 22, were preparing for competitive exams and used the app to target victims. One victim reported being stripped, filmed, and extorted for ₹25,000. This incident highlights the risks associated with online dating platforms, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community, and underscores the need for caution and awareness when engaging with individuals met through such apps.
Also Read Unveiling Legal Frontiers: The Quest for Same-Sex Marriage Recognition in India
Essential Safety Measures
Digital Security Best Practices
- Use a separate email address for dating apps
- Avoid linking social media accounts to dating profiles
- Be cautious with personal information, especially details about workplace or family
- Use recent but not easily traceable photos
- Enable two-factor authentication when available
- Regularly update privacy settings
Meeting Safety Guidelines
- Always meet in public places for initial meetings
- Share location details with trusted friends
- Use video calls before meeting in person
- Trust instincts about suspicious behavior
- Maintain financial boundaries – never send money to matches
- Keep communications within the app initially
Identity Protection Strategies
- Consider using a nickname or alternate name initially
- Be selective about sharing personal photos
- Avoid sharing workplace or educational institution details
- Use caution with location services and nearby features
- Be aware of photos that might reveal identifying information in the background
Community Resources and Support for Victims
In India, while the legal framework around LGBTQIA+ rights and protections is still evolving, the support systems for individuals facing scams, harassment, or exploitation on gay dating apps remain crucial. There are a few key community resources and organizations working tirelessly to offer support, legal aid, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The Naz Foundation (India) Trust is one of India’s leading non-governmental organizations focusing on LGBTQIA+ rights, including online safety and protection against abuse and exploitation. The foundation offers counseling, support services, and a helpline for individuals facing mental health challenges, social exclusion, or exploitation. They also provide legal resources to individuals whose rights have been violated.
Their work extends to public awareness campaigns about digital safety and the risks associated with online dating, particularly on platforms used by the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Naz Dost Helpline, available at +91 8800329176 or +91 (011) 47504630, operates Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Future Recommendations
Platform Responsibility
Dating apps operating in India need to implement stronger safety measures, including:
- Enhanced verification processes
- Better reporting mechanisms for harassment and scams
- Local language support for safety features
- Partnerships with local LGBTQIA+ organizations
- Regular safety updates and educational content
User Education
The community must prioritize education about safe dating practices. This includes understanding technical safety features, recognizing scam patterns, and knowing where to seek help when needed.
Policy Advocacy
There’s a growing need for specific cybersecurity laws and policies protecting individuals from dating app-related crimes.
While the rise of gay dating apps in India has provided a platform for connection and self-expression, it has also brought to light a host of risks and scams that disproportionately affect the LGBTQIA+ community. However, the availability of dedicated community resources, legal support, and mental health services can help ensure that individuals are not left to navigate these challenges alone.
With organizations like Naz Foundation, The Humsafar Trust, and helplines such as the Naz Dost Helpline offering essential guidance, it is possible for LGBTIA+ individuals to protect themselves, seek justice, and foster safer digital spaces. It is crucial that both users and platforms continue to advocate for greater awareness, improved safety features, and stronger legal protections to create an inclusive, secure environment where everyone can freely connect without fear.
Article By Manan Mishra NLU Ranchi Intern at Fastrack Legal Solutions
