Uttarakhand STF Warns Against 'Rent a Friend' Social Media Offers
STF cautions residents about an online companionship service with structured hourly pricing, warning it could be used to collect personal and banking details.
Current Summary
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday cautioned the public against a 'rent a friend' service circulating on social media, which offers paid personal and professional companionship for activities such as coffee outings, city tours, market visits and movie-watching. The service's publicised price chart lists five packages: a one-hour 'Quick Hangout' for Rs 369, a two-hour 'Casual Companion' for Rs 669, a four-hour 'Half-Day Explorer' for Rs 1,469, an eight-hour 'Full-Day Adventure' for Rs 2,969, and a 'Premium Social Event' package for weddings and formal events at Rs 1,269 per hour with a three-hour minimum. The service requires 50 percent advance payment at booking, with food, travel and ticket costs billed separately to the customer. SSP STF Ajay Singh said relying on unverified online services can be risky, as cyber fraudsters can exploit attractive offers to obtain personal information and banking details, and urged people to verify any such service before making payment.
What We Know
- Uttarakhand STF issued a public caution on Tuesday about a 'rent a friend' service advertised on social media.
- The service lists five pricing packages ranging from Rs 369 for one hour to Rs 2,969 for eight hours, plus a premium event package.
- Bookings require 50 percent advance payment, with other expenses billed separately.
- SSP STF Ajay Singh warned that unverified online services carry fraud risk, including theft of personal and banking information.
What Is Still Unclear
- Whether any Uttarakhand resident has yet reported a financial loss linked to this specific service.
- The identity or location of the operators behind the service.
Verify any online companionship or service offer before making payment, and avoid sharing personal or banking details with unverified platforms.
What Changed
- 13 Oct, 01:30 pmSignal detected: Uttarakhand STF Warns Against 'Rent a Friend' Social Media Offers