Pune : The Inner Vybes : A suspicious message circulating on social media under the name ‘The Inner Vybe’ and ‘The Inner Circle’ has raised concerns over a possible financial fraud targeting youngsters through attractive offers of blind dates, parties and long drives with strangers.
The message promotes several activities, including movie dates with strangers, blind dates, wild parties, truth-and-dare nights and romantic road trips. It claims to operate in several cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Surat, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata.
One of the offers specifically promotes a “Long Drive with Lunch” on Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm, claiming that a luxury stay is included. The message offers the package for ₹3,000, including lunch and all other expenses, while assuring customers that there are “no hidden charges.”
The promoters also claim that free meet-ups are organised every month so that participants can meet the team before joining any paid plan. Such claims, however, cannot by themselves establish the authenticity of the organisation or the services being offered.
The message further states that female participants are booked first, followed by male participants, and claims that this reduces the possibility of cancellation. Such statements appear designed to create a sense of trust and urgency among potential customers.
A WhatsApp number has also been provided in the message for booking and inquiries, raising concerns that unsuspecting individuals may be persuaded to make advance payments or share personal information.
Citizens Advised to Verify Before Making Payments
Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies routinely advise people to be cautious about attractive online offers involving strangers, dating, parties and travel. Before making any payment, users should independently verify the organisation, its registration details, physical office address, organisers, previous events and refund policy.
People should also avoid sharing Aadhaar cards, PAN details, bank information, OTPs or other sensitive personal information with unknown individuals.
If someone has already transferred money and suspects fraud, they should immediately preserve screenshots, payment records, phone numbers and chat conversations and report the matter to the appropriate cybercrime authorities.
The claims made in the circulating message have not been independently verified. Authorities should investigate the authenticity of the operation and determine whether the offer is being used as a means to defraud unsuspecting customers.
