Popular 'match' on dating apps; Malayali content creator reveals ordeal

KOCHI: "That's not me"... These are the words of content creator Lakshmi Arunkumar, who was shocked to see fake profiles with her photo on a dating app. Not just one, fake profiles with her photo were active on many dating apps. Lakshmi added that she then requested social media to report and withdraw such profiles if she noticed them.

Friends tipped her off about her Instagram photos being misused by fraudsters on dating sites. Screenshots were also received. The profiles came up with the names Dimple and Rashmi on the apps Happen and Nymph.

“The reports have been made in the emails of the app admins. My first thought was about the number of women who might have been victims of this fraud. I just felt the need to inform society, keeping aside my mental anguish,” said Lakshmi.

Earlier, unknown people had tried to collect money through a fake Facebook account with Lakshmi's picture. A complaint was filed with the cyber police and the account was removed, but no further action was taken.

Dating app

Dating apps help find partners. They set up an 'algorithm' to know the interests of each person and suggest suitable partners. A section of the users remain fake. These apps are also sowing grounds for many fraudsters.

“Social media, including dating sites, should have a system to verify the identity of a person” - Lakshmi Arunkumar