Jamnagar Trader Falls Victim to Cyber Scam While Searching for Bride Online

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Cyber Scammers Dupe Medical Trader of ₹56.73 Lakh

A 52-year-old medical trader from Jamnagar, Gujarat, lost ₹56.73 lakh to cyber scammers after being lured through a matrimonial platform by a woman claiming to work for a pharmaceutical company in Canada.

The Scam

The victim had created a profile on a matrimonial website while searching for a life partner after his wife’s passing. He was contacted by a woman identifying herself as “Lakshmi,” who proposed a business opportunity involving the procurement of a raw material called “Tamole Ocimum (ZH2)” for her company.

To gain the trader’s trust, the scammers arranged a trial transaction in Ahmedabad, where a man posing as a purchase officer from the pharmaceutical company paid the victim $1,300 in cash for a sample consignment. Convinced of the legitimacy of the deal, the trader began purchasing larger quantities of the chemical and transferred money in multiple installments, totaling ₹56.73 lakh.

The Consequences

However, after receiving the funds, the scammers ceased all communication, and the victim was left with significant financial losses. Initially hesitant to report the incident due to concerns about reputational damage, the trader eventually filed a complaint with the cybercrime police after being encouraged by his brother and a friend.

The Investigation

The authorities have launched an investigation, examining bank transactions, phone numbers, and digital communication records to identify the individuals involved in the cyber fraud. The incident highlights the growing use of social-engineering tactics by cybercriminals, who exploit emotional vulnerability, loneliness, or trust to manipulate victims.

Cybercrime officials have warned citizens to exercise caution when engaging in financial transactions with individuals met online and to verify identities before proceeding. The use of matrimonial websites and social media platforms by scammers to build trust with victims has become an increasing concern, and citizens are advised to remain vigilant when encountering business opportunities proposed by online acquaintances.

The Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, with police tracing the digital trail left by the scammers to uncover their identities and bring them to justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of online caution and the need for citizens to be aware of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities and commit financial fraud.