Cheated by a Locanto ad. A disappointing experience
I came back to Bangalore recently from my overseas stint and I was hoping to have a good experience before I go back again. Since most of my old contacts were not active, I reached out to some of our seniors for leads and received couple of responses which included contact number of Nisha and Victoria (thanks to those who shared me these contacts). With some confidence, I booked a hotel room for 3 nights and I was positive that at least for one of the night I will be able to get a girl for a full night experience. With that hope I contacted Nisha, Victoria and few others but unfortunately nothing worked out (they were not replying to my text and not picking up the calls). With only one night hotel room left in hand, I became desperate and that's when I decided to try Locanto. I have used Locanto with great success abroad and hence tried to use that as the savior. Among the plenty of massage / sex ad's in Locanto, I shortlisted couple of ad's that sounded more legitimate. Called the first number and the guy refused for any out-call service. Tried the second number and he was ok for both in-call and out-call, quoting Rs. 6 k for full night. The price sounded very reasonable and hence I didn't do any bargain. The guy said I need to come to Silkboard to pick up the girl (indicating that there are three choices). The discussions were all in Hindi (but I could see that he can speak confidently in other languages as well) and his tone and words sounded quite professional and genuine. For example, he was indicating that he was arranging an ID card for the girl for a smooth hotel check-in.
It was around 9. 30 pm and I reached Silk Board. Received a call from an another number giving some directions. When I reached, there was an autoricksaw with two guys and they asked me to take a seat. Then they drove for another 200 metres and stopped in front of an apartment. I was asked to pay Rs. 6 k and the guy on the phone was clear that if I didn't like his 3 choices, then he will refund the full amount. He also gave the phone to the girl who spoke to me in Hindi to confirm that she is ready for the out-call. Without any second thought, I handed over 6 k. Then the auto guy asked for Rs. 200 tip for his service. While I was not happy about it, I didn't want to make a scene for 200 and hence decided to pay but then noticed that I had only Rs 2000 rupee note in my wallet. The guy offered to give me balance and collected 2 k from me. He then asked me to go to the second floor of the apartment where the girl will be waiting outside the door while he will go and bring the change for me. Without suspecting anything, I started climbing the stairs and reached the second floor and was stunned when all the doors were closed and there were none waiting for me. For the first time, I started fearing that there is something wrong and I waited for few more minutes with a hope of someone opening the door. But it was a complete silence and hence I decided to come down to question the guys. I tried to call both the mobile numbers but they were switched off. I understood that I was conned and I cannot do anything about it.
While I had few bad experiences before in terms of what was promised vs received, I never had the experience of paying money without taking any service. It was such a disappointing experience for me that I was ashamed of myself for being such naive and for not applying common sense. I think my positive experiences abroad over the last few years has kind of made me to think that there is no cheating. I am to be blamed for this and I request all the mongers to be alert and don't make the same mistake as me. I specifically suggest that locanto ads in India are completely untrustworthy and never go by those contacts.
Take care everyone.
JFF.
