Online Marriage Proposal Scam Leads to 21.90 Lakh Rupees Cyber Fraud Case

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A Pune woman allegedly lost ₹21.90 lakh after fraudsters exploited an online matrimonial platform to establish contact and manipulate her through fabricated scenarios.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred between August 8 and 25, according to law enforcement. The victim had created a profile on a matrimonial website seeking a potential partner. A suspect generated a fake profile on the same platform and initiated contact by sending an interest request, which the woman accepted.

The Scheme Unfolds

Fake Profiles and Emotional Manipulation

The accused then engaged in conversations, claiming to be a professional residing in France and expressing intent to travel to India to pursue a relationship. Subsequently, another individual contacted the woman, falsely presenting themselves as an immigration officer.

Fabricated Immigration Scam

This person alleged that the supposed French professional had been detained during travel to India and required urgent financial assistance to resolve immigration-related issues. The fraudsters demanded payments for visa fees, clearance charges, ticket expenses, and currency conversion, while threatening legal consequences if the woman failed to comply.

Investigation and Response

Investigators noted that the suspects repeatedly pressured the victim to transfer funds through a UPI ID, leveraging emotional manipulation to secure multiple transactions. The total amount withdrawn from the woman’s account reportedly reached ₹21.90 lakh. She became suspicious after ongoing requests for additional payments and conducted an online search, which revealed the fraudulent nature of the interactions.

Renowned cybercrime analyst and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh stated that these schemes typically involve claims of travel, immigration, medical, or legal crises to pressure victims into transferring funds. He advised individuals to independently verify the authenticity of profiles and claims made by potential partners on online platforms. Any sudden requests for money through digital payment methods, especially when accompanied by pressure or threats, should be treated as red flags.

Expert Advice and Public Warning

Law enforcement has urged the public to avoid transferring funds at the request of individuals met through matrimonial websites or social media, particularly for visa processing, travel, immigration, or medical emergencies. Victims are encouraged to immediately contact their banks and report suspicious activities to cybercrime authorities.