Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 21: City police have warned youths against falling prey to so-called ‘midnight chat’ apps that are increasingly being used for online blackmail and extortion. Attractive women or AI-generated profiles on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook lure youths with promises of companionship, gradually gaining their trust and coaxing them into sharing personal details and private moments.

Police said the conversations often lead to video or voice calls, during which private moments are secretly recorded using advanced tools. Victims are later threatened with the circulation of these videos on social media unless large sums of money are paid. Out of fear and embarrassment, several youths have reportedly lost lakhs of rupees, while many cases go unreported due to social stigma.

Such incidents have been reported from multiple cities including Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga and Hubballi. The police also cited cases of financial fraud under the guise of dating and investment offers. Mangaluru city police commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy urged the public, especially youths, to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with strangers through apps or social media, warning that organised networks are operating behind such scams.