Beware of ‘Attractive’ Profiles on Instagram: Honey Trap Gangs Spreading Across Kerala

Honey trap scams have been increasing at an alarming rate across Kerala recently. The gravity of these traps was highlighted by a recent incident in Pangappara, Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram, where a 19-year-old was subjected to brutal assault. The youth, who had gone to meet a woman he befriended on social media, was attacked by a gang, stripped, and filmed, with the perpetrators attempting to extort money from him. This is not an isolated incident, but rather a modus operandi used by criminal gangs operating throughout the state.

These gangs primarily operate through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as well as various dating apps. The first stage of their operation involves creating attractive fake profiles to build friendships with unsuspecting young men. Within a short period, they cultivate a sense of familiarity to gain the victim’s trust. Subsequently, they lure the targets to isolated houses, lodges, or deserted areas under the guise of meeting in person. Once the victim arrives at the designated location, other members of the gang appear, hold the victim captive, and begin their extortion attempt.

In the Pangappara case, the suspects assaulted the youth using stones and sticks. They stripped him, filmed the incident, and threatened to circulate the visuals on social media unless he paid the money they demanded. The gang also robbed the victim of the cash and mobile phone he had with him. These criminal groups exploit the psychological state of their victims, relying on the assumption that fear of public humiliation will prevent them from reporting the matter to the police.

To stay safe, authorities recommend the following precautions:

– Be wary of strangers on social media: Do not place excessive trust in individuals met online, and always verify the authenticity of their profiles.
– Avoid isolated locations: If someone invites you to a deserted area for a meeting, decline. Always choose crowded, public places for any initial meetings.
– Do not keep meetings secret: Inform trusted friends or family members about the details of such meetings.
– Report to the police: If you become a victim of such a scam, do not hide it; report it to the police immediately. Assistance can also be sought by calling the cyber helpline number 1930.

While the cyber wing of the Kerala Police is conducting rigorous surveillance to apprehend these gangs, personal vigilance remains the most effective and permanent solution to combat this growing threat.