Pan-India Matrimonial Cyber Fraud Racket: 10 Arrested, Advocate Among Them
Delhi Police have dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud operation linked to a fake matrimonial service, arresting a 29-year-old practicing advocate and nine others.
The Scheme’s Structure
The fraudulent operation allegedly utilized fake matrimonial profiles and simulated interactions with individuals impersonating potential spouses. Victims were reportedly charged at multiple stages for services such as registration, profile activation, and membership packages. Payments ranged from ₹2,500 to ₹15,000, with amounts kept below ₹15,000 to deter complaints.
Fake Profiles and Deceptive Tactics
Dummy profiles were created on the website, and screenshots were shared with victims to create a false sense of legitimacy. Men were lured through targeted outreach, with contact details gathered from matrimonial websites, social media groups, and online forums.
Targeted Outreach and Financial Exploitation
Female tele-callers assessed the financial status of potential victims before presenting photographs of women sourced from the internet as prospective brides. Once interest was expressed, payments were requested under various categories. Matches were then rejected using fabricated reasons such as “Manglik dosh,” family disapproval, or claims of prior engagements.
The Investigation and Arrests
The police investigation began after a complaint alleging a ₹15,000 scam through registration and activation fees. Financial trails led to an account linked to the operation, prompting a raid on a call center in Agra on September 4. A 44-year-old woman, listed as the firm’s proprietor, was arrested alongside eight female tele-callers.
The Accused Advocate’s Role
During interrogations, the arrested woman revealed the advocate’s involvement in orchestrating the fraud. The accused advocate, Amit Kumar, allegedly established a layered structure to distance himself from direct responsibility. The firm “M/s Shaadi Partner Com” was registered under the woman’s name, while a franchise agreement with Netnexis Solutions (OPC) Pvt Ltd was used to mask his role.
Technical Surveillance and Apprehension
Kumar reportedly went underground after learning of the raid, but technical surveillance traced him to Agra. He was apprehended on September 8 in the Kala Kunj area while traveling in an SUV. Despite presenting his bar council credentials, investigators presented evidence linking him to the operation.
Call Center Operations and Financial Mechanisms
The call center reportedly employed female tele-callers who earned ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 monthly, plus a 10% commission. Monthly collection targets of ₹15,000 were enforced, with penalties for underperformance. The group also issued refunds to victims threatening to file complaints, using these funds to unfreeze bank accounts.
Raid and Seizure Details
During the raid, police seized seven desktop computers, 47 mobile phones, ₹50,000 in cash, and an SUV. Digital forensics suggest the fraud impacted thousands of victims. Investigators are analyzing chat logs, financial records, and bank transactions to identify affected individuals and quantify the scale of the deception.
Impact and Warnings
The case highlights the risks of online matchmaking, where repeated payment demands for profile access or match facilitation can indicate criminal activity. Victims are advised to verify the authenticity of profiles and exercise caution when encountering persistent financial requests. The operation underscores the need for heightened vigilance in digital interactions and robust enforcement against cyber-enabled financial crimes.
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