Cyber Crime
Fake ‘High-Salaried Manager’ Exposed: Ex-Security Guard Dupes Women on Matrimonial Sites for 7 Years
Delhi Police have arrested a 35-year-old man accused of posing as a high-earning professional on matrimonial websites and duping numerous women over the past seven years. The accused, Manoj Gahlyan, hails from Jorashi Khalsa village in Haryana’s Panipat district.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Delhi), Vichitra Veer, revealed that Gahlyan meticulously targeted vulnerable women, presenting himself as a high-salaried manager earning Rs 15-20 lakh annually. “He would gain their trust by meeting them in person and later steal their credit or debit card details to siphon off money,” DCP Veer said.
The scam, which began in 2017, may have impacted hundreds of women, though many victims are believed to have remained silent due to fear or embarrassment. Gahlyan’s arrest came after a raid in Northeast Delhi’s Usmanpur area, led by Inspector Dharmender from the Cyber West police team. Authorities recovered five debit cards and a mobile phone purchased using a victim’s stolen card.
The investigation began when a woman filed a complaint at the Cyber (West) police station. She reported that Gahlyan, whom she had met on a matrimonial site, had gradually obtained her bank account and credit card details, which he later used for unauthorized transactions.
Police traced the fraudulent withdrawals to Gahlyan’s bank account, but his listed address turned out to be fake. Further investigation, including CCTV footage analysis and tracking purchases, confirmed his involvement.
DCP Veer stated, “We are investigating to identify the total number of victims and the amount of money stolen.”
This case highlights the growing risks of online fraud and the need for caution while engaging on matrimonial platforms. Dozens of women, like the victims in this case, fall prey to similar scams on matrimonial and dating platforms every year. Cybercriminals exploit the trust and emotions of individuals seeking companionship, posing as successful professionals to lure victims.
This type of fraud has become a growing trend in the digital age, with perpetrators using sophisticated techniques to steal personal and financial information. As these crimes often go unreported due to social stigma or fear, the actual number of victims is likely much higher. To stay safe, individuals must exercise caution while interacting online, verify claims, and avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers.
