IT Employee Lured into ₹66 Lakh Investment Scam via Matrimonial Site Friendship

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A Sophisticated Investment Scam Targets IT Professional Through Matrimonial Website

A recent case of cybercrime in Hyderabad has highlighted the growing trend of online relationship-based scams. An IT employee was allegedly defrauded of ₹66 lakh by a woman he met on a matrimonial website. The scammer posed as a Malaysian professional and gained the victim’s trust through regular online conversations.

The Scam Unfolds

According to the Cyberabad police, the 29-year-old victim created his profile on the matrimonial portal in October last year. Shortly after, he received a marriage proposal from a woman claiming to be ‘Pallavi’, who presented herself as an international professional. The two began chatting regularly, exchanging phone numbers, and developing an emotional connection.

“The scammer eventually advised the victim to invest in the stock market and cryptocurrency, promising high returns on investment. The victim transferred funds in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by the accused, which are now under scrutiny by the authorities.”

Investigation and Warning

The Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police have launched an investigation into the matter and have warned the public to be cautious when interacting with unknown individuals on social media and matrimonial platforms. Authorities have advised people to verify the authenticity of profiles, workplace details, and background information before developing online relationships.

Prevention and Awareness

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that awareness is key to preventing such scams. They recommend treating any financial transaction after an online acquaintance as a warning sign and exercising caution when dealing with strangers online.

The Growing Trend of Cybercrimes

The case highlights the increasing trend of cybercrimes linked to online relationships, where scammers create fake profiles to target victims. The Cyberabad police have urged the public to report any suspicious incidents to the authorities immediately.

A Cautionary Tale

In this case, the scammer’s tactics were sophisticated, using a combination of emotional manipulation and financial persuasion to deceive the victim. The incident serves as a reminder to be vigilant when interacting online and to prioritize caution when dealing with strangers.