HYDERABAD: Love now comes with a price tag in Hyderabad. ‘Rent-a-Boyfriend’ and ‘Rent-a-Girlfriend’ services, promoted aggressively across social media, are raising serious concerns over online dating scams, financial fraud and personal safety. The concept, which gained popularity in Japan more than a decade ago as paid companionship for people battling loneliness, has now found a foothold in Indian cities. In Hyderabad, social-media pages are reportedly advertising companionship ranging from conversations, movies and dinners to emotional support, with charges reportedly ranging from ₹450 to ₹14,000 an hour.
The marketing is getting increasingly bizarre—and lucrative. One Instagram promotion reportedly offered a ‘boyfriend’ for ₹999 an hour, ₹1,999 for two hours and ₹2,999 for an entire day, including walks, conversations and snacks, while premium packages allegedly offered cooking, desserts and hugs with consent. Another promotion listed Silver, Gold and Platinum packages, with promises ranging from dinner and jokes to scripted love stories, saying “I love you” and even helping with household chores. But behind the glossy reels and attractive promises lies the bigger question: who is actually behind these profiles, and what happens after the money is transferred?
The financial risk could be even more alarming. Legal experts cited in reports say some platforms or individuals may demand ‘good faith’ deposits of ₹50,000, ₹1 lakh or even ₹2 lakh, apart from service charges. If such deposits are withheld after a dispute, customers could face substantial losses. Concerns have also surfaced over profiles allegedly using free stock photographs, raising doubts about whether some advertised companions are genuine at all. Some platforms are also reportedly failing to properly verify the age of customers, creating additional legal and safety concerns, particularly where minors could be involved.
With no dedicated regulatory framework specifically governing such ‘rental companionship’ services, experts warn that the gap could become fertile ground for fraudsters. Hyderabad Police have warned about online dating traps, while legal experts say disputes could end up being dealt with under existing laws relating to cheating, cybercrime or offences against women, depending on the circumstances. What is being sold as a few hours of companionship could quickly turn into a nightmare of fake identities, financial extortion or personal-security risks. For Hyderabad’s lonely and vulnerable users, the message is blunt: before you pay for ‘rented love’, verify the person, platform, identity, refund terms and payment demands—or risk paying a much higher price.
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