Ahmedabad, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell is examining social media posts offering “rent a garba partner” services ahead of Navratri, with police warning that such advertisements could potentially be used for scams, phishing or other forms of cyber fraud.
The posts, circulating on platforms including Instagram, offer users the option of paying for a companion to attend garba events, go shopping for the festival or spend time with them during Navratri.
Police said the advertisements came to their attention through the social media monitoring cell and are being examined to determine whether they represent genuine services or involve fraudulent or malicious intent.
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime DCP Dr Lavina Sinha cautioned people against assuming that the person behind such posts is necessarily known to them.
She said some advertisements could be designed to initiate conversations with users, after which the communication could potentially be misused.
Sinha also flagged the possibility of financial fraud, particularly when users are asked to make payments through links shared in social media posts.
She said users could potentially lose money without receiving the promised service, while payment links could also be used to facilitate digital scams or cyber fraud.
Several such advertisements have surfaced on social media in recent days. Reports have cited packages ranging from around Rs 500 to Rs 6,500, depending on the duration and services offered. However, police are yet to establish the authenticity and intent behind the posts.
Sinha advised people to exercise caution before making payments through social media advertisements or unfamiliar links.
“If there is any suspicion of a scam, or if your money has been lost, or if you feel that your phone has been hacked after clicking on such a link, immediately contact 1930 and inform the nearest police station,” she said.
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal also advises victims of financial cyber fraud to report incidents immediately through the 1930 helpline. The portal allows people to report online and social media crimes, financial fraud and hacking. Suspicious website URLs, phone numbers, messaging handles and social media URLs can also be submitted for reporting.
The Cyber Crime Cell’s examination will determine whether the “rent a garba partner” advertisements are genuine offerings or are being used to facilitate cyber fraud.
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