A young Pune-based NGO worker lost ₹8.4 lakh in an elaborate matrimonial scam orchestrated by cybercriminals posing as an NRI suitor. The fraud exploited emotions, social trust, and digital manipulation over several weeks. The case has reignited concerns over the growing threat of online relationship scams in India.
A Proposal Too Convincing: Romance to Ruin
In a harrowing case of digital deception, a 28-year-old woman working with a non-governmental organization in Yerawada, Pune, lost ₹8.4 lakh to cybercriminals posing as a London-based NRI on a matrimonial platform. The woman, a divorcee, had created a profile on a site for divorced individuals in hopes of finding companionship, a decision that spiralled into a months-long emotional and financial trap.
According to the Pune cybercrime police, the woman was contacted in April by a man claiming to run a successful real estate business in London. He expressed romantic interest and quickly proposed marriage. Trusting the man’s consistent communication and apparent sincerity, the woman believed his intentions to be genuine.
The deception began to escalate when the man claimed on April 29 that he was flying to Pune to meet her and even shared a copy of a flight ticket. What followed was a chain of fabricated emergencies and escalating financial demands, designed to exploit her concern and commitment.
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An Airport, a Phantom Arrest, and a Chain of Lies
The next day, the woman received a call from another female accomplice who claimed to be an officer at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. She said the man had been detained with 73,000 pounds (approximately Rs. 85 Lakhs) and required a certificate to proceed. The woman was asked to pay ₹35,000 for the paperwork.
From there, the fraud intensified. Over WhatsApp, email, and phone calls, the man and his accomplices concocted a series of elaborate stories: arrests, customs detentions, bribes to officials, damage reimbursements, and hospital bills. One false narrative led to another, and the victim, emotionally ensnared, sold her gold jewellery and borrowed money from friends to meet the fraudulent demands.
By June 2, she had transferred money multiple times, totalling ₹8.4 lakh. Each time, she was assured of prompt repayment once the man was “free.” But after the final transfer, all communication ceased. Only then did the victim realize she had been duped and approached the Pune cybercrime police.
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This incident is not isolated. Cybercrime units across India are reporting a surge in romance and matrimonial scams, especially targeting women seeking partners post-divorce. These scams rely not only on technological deceit but also on deep emotional manipulation.
The Pune police confirmed that a case has been registered, and investigations are underway. Officials urged citizens to remain skeptical of online proposals and to verify all claims independently. Cybercriminals often use fake identities, generate forged documents, and exploit the victim’s empathy and urgency to extract money. Experts say such cases highlight the need for digital literacy, caution in online relationships, and stronger vetting mechanisms on matrimonial platforms.
About the author – Prakriti Jha is a student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, currently pursuing B.Sc. LL.B (Hons.) with a keen interest in the intersection of law and data science. She is passionate about exploring how legal frameworks adapt to the evolving challenges of technology and justice.