Kanpur Woman Falls Victim to Marriage Scam and Mule Account Fraud

A relationship initiated through an online matrimonial platform allegedly evolved into a financial exploitation scheme targeting a woman in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Incident Overview

The accused, posing as a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel stationed in Delhi, allegedly deceived the victim into opening multiple bank accounts, which were later utilized for illicit financial activities. The woman discovered the misuse after receiving notifications about her accounts being flagged due to cybercrime allegations.

The Deception Unfolds

The victim, Chandni Chauhan, a resident of Lavkushpuram in Kalyanpur, created a profile on a matrimonial website in January 2026 while seeking a marriage partner. A user identified as Suraj, also known as Ranveer Singh, contacted her. The two met at Z Square in Kanpur on April 15, where the accused presented an identity card to establish credibility.

False Promises and Account Creation

According to the complaint, the individual claimed to be employed with the RAF and later stated he worked with associates on digital advertising projects. He allegedly persuaded the woman to open three bank accounts in her name, claiming the funds would be used for their future wedding. The accused reportedly obtained sensitive documents, including the victim’s Aadhaar card, PAN card, and academic records.

Unauthorized Access and Transactions

After opening accounts at Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Punjab National Bank, the accused allegedly acquired her passbooks, ATM cards, and PIN through an associate. The victim began receiving alerts about unauthorized transactions, which she attributed to the accused’s assurances. When she raised concerns, she was advised to disable mobile notifications, a directive she followed.

Escalation and Unraveling

Further allegations indicate the accused requested the victim to share a contact’s bank account details and QR code to facilitate cash withdrawals. The victim complied, enabling the transfer of funds to an acquaintance’s shop. Subsequent investigations by law enforcement aim to trace the volume of transactions and identify additional accounts or individuals involved.

Continued Manipulation and Discovery

Despite the accused maintaining engagement assurances, the victim reported continued efforts to solidify the relationship. On May 21, he reportedly reiterated marriage plans near Gurudev Palace Metro station, citing income from advertising work. In July, he discussed purchasing an engagement ring and took her finger measurement. During a meeting in Rawatpur, he allegedly accessed her mobile phone and deleted shared photographs.

Account Freezing and Aftermath

The scheme unraveled on August 7 when the victim received alerts indicating her accounts had been frozen due to cybercrime complaints. The notifications revealed deposits totaling ₹15,000, ₹12,034, and ₹16,750. Upon contacting the accused, she found him unresponsive. Subsequent bank statements revealed transactions involving large sums, which the victim denied accessing beyond minimal personal purchases.

Investigation and Expert Insights

The woman initially reported the incident to Kalyanpur police but claimed no immediate action was taken. She later escalated the matter to the Police Commissioner on August 12, prompting an investigation. Cybercrime experts emphasize that exploiting emotional trust to acquire bank accounts is a common tactic in mule-account schemes.

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Anuj

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