The scam was revealed by journalist and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj in a social media post. She explained that the scam targets people through dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. According to Bhardwaj, there have been multiple victims, with bills ranging from ₹23,000 to ₹61,000, and at least three men have been trapped by the same woman. She questioned why the club is still listed on platforms like Zomato despite the negative reviews.
Bhardwaj also detailed the scam in her post, stating that it operates through connections made on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. Women involved in the scheme arrange quick meet-ups, initially suggesting venues like Pizza Express or Metro before insisting on going to The Godfather Club or similar locations. At these venues, they order expensive items without showing a menu, leaving the men with bills ranging from Rs 23,000 to 61,000. The women then leave abruptly, and bouncers may coerce the men into paying or face physical intimidation.
Bhardwaj, who directed the 2022 documentary India’s Sons, targetted The Godfather Club, stating, “I’ve exposed many clubs but this one seems to be the baap of all. Nothing less than 10 targets daily. Many people have filed cyber complaints, called cops on spot, told these girls they’ll be exposed but it continues.”
She also questioned why the club is still listed on food delivery app Zomato despite these reviews.
Bhardwaj suggested that The Godfather Club may be part of a larger network of nightclubs in Mumbai employing public relations personnel who hire women to lure men into costly and intimidating situations.
A Mumbai man was scammed into paying Rs 61,000 for a date gone wrong at The Godfather Club in Andheri West. Journalist and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj brought the issue to light in a social media post on X.
This issue was brought to light by journalist and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj in a recent social media post on X. “MUMBAI DATING SCAM EXPOSE THE GODFATHER CLUB ANDHERI WEST. BRAZEN SCAMMING EVERYDAY. 12 victims in touch. Trap laid through Tinder, Bumble. Bill amounts 23K- 61K. 3 men trapped by the same girl @MumbaiPolice,” Bhardwaj shared in an X post.
Tagging the Mumbai Police, Bhardwaj questioned whether the cyber complaints are being adequately addressed or if they are simply being ignored. She asked, “Does it not look like an organized crime to you or should we believe that you have some special interest in protecting these scammers?”
“These aren’t men scamming men in guise of a woman online. These are real women confidently scamming a guy every single day. Some guys did try to report them but then the woman card & they got scared !!!,” she added.
