Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam

नकली शुगर डैडी/शुगर मम्मी रोमांस स्कैम

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team ·

Verdict: Dangerous | Risk Score: 9/10 | Severity: MEDIUM

Category: Other

How Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam Works

  1. Step 1: Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps posing as wealthy Western individuals seeking Indian companionship
  2. Step 2: They build trust through extended courtship, promising monthly payments of thousands of dollars for companionship
  3. Step 3: Once trust is established, they request money for visa fees, taxes, bank upgrade charges, or processing fees before sending promised funds
  4. Step 4: After coercing victims into sexual acts or obtaining explicit videos, scammers disappear without payment and may use footage for extortion

How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation

The Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam is becoming increasingly common in India, targeting especially women looking for companionship or financial help online. Scammers create fake profiles, often claiming to be wealthy foreign nationals living abroad or successful businesspeople, sometimes using Western-sounding names and photos stolen from social media or fake image generators. They usually approach victims through WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or dating apps popular in India. The scammer quickly builds trust by showering the victim with attention, compliments, and promises of large monthly payments to support them financially.

After gaining trust, the scammer proposes a ‘relationship’ based on financial help, offering to deposit money regularly via UPI, mobile banking apps, or international wire transfers routed through Indian banks. However, before sending any money, they demand various upfront fees such as ‘processing charges,’ ‘bank upgrade fees,’ or ‘tax deductions’ that victims must pay first. These fees can be requested via Paytm, Google Pay, or direct UPI transfers, with scammers often pressuring victims to pay quickly to access the promised funds. Sometimes, they even ask for Aadhaar card details or bank account information under the guise of verification.

Victims who hesitate or express doubts often face emotional manipulation or pressure to send explicit photos, videos, or engage in sexual acts, which scammers then use to blackmail them. Some women have reported receiving threats of public exposure or reputation damage if they don’t comply. As victims try to comply, they end up sending more money or sensitive data, thinking they will soon receive large payments that never come. Many lose their savings, face emotional trauma, and in some cases, suffer identity theft or unauthorized bank transactions.

This scam exploits everyday Indian tools like WhatsApp, UPI, and mobile banking, combining them with sophisticated social engineering to trap victims. Since the promised money never arrives, and upfront payments are gone forever, victims are left vulnerable and ashamed, often reluctant to report due to stigma. Awareness and swift action against such scams are critical to protecting women and others from significant financial and emotional harm across India.

Who Does Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam Target?

Educated Indian women including doctors, software engineers, journalists, and other professionals across urban areas

Red Flags — How to Identify Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam

  • Promises of large monthly payments from strangers online
  • Requests for upfront payments before receiving promised funds
  • Fake Western profiles with limited verification
  • Pressure to engage in sexual acts or send explicit videos
  • Claims of needing processing charges or bank upgrade fees

What To Do If You Encounter Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam

  1. Verify the identity of anyone promising large sums of money online before engaging further.
  2. Never send advance payments or share bank, Aadhaar, or UPI details with strangers.
  3. Report suspicious profiles and conversations immediately to the Indian Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
  4. Block and delete contacts who pressure you for money, personal details, or explicit material.
  5. Contact your bank and mobile app support immediately if you suspect unauthorized transactions or fraud.

How to Report Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam in India

  • Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
  • File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
  • Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
  • Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam?
Dangerous: Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam is a confirmed scam in India. Learn about fake sugar daddy/mommy scams targeting Indian women. Recognize red flags, protect yourself, and report to cybercrime authorities immediately.
How does Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam work?
Step 1: Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps posing as wealthy Western individuals seeking Indian companionship Step 2: They build trust through extended courtship, promising monthly payments of thousands of dollars for companionship Step 3: Once trust is established, they request money for visa fees, taxes, bank upgrade charges, or processing fees before sending promised funds Step 4: After coercing victims into sexual acts or obtaining explicit videos, scammers disappear without payment and may use footage for extortion
How to protect yourself from Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam?
Verify the identity of anyone promising large sums of money online before engaging further. Never send advance payments or share bank, Aadhaar, or UPI details with strangers. Report suspicious profiles and conversations immediately to the Indian Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Block and delete contacts who pressure you for money, personal details, or explicit material.
How to report Fake Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy Romance Scam in India?
Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

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