A 33-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly creating fake female profiles on matrimonial websites and targeting men looking for marriage. Police said Ramkumar Pandian, a resident of Mudichur, allegedly used a woman’s photographs, spoke in a female voice and introduced himself as “Aishwarya”.
He allegedly claimed that Aishwarya was undergoing IRS training to avoid video calls and maintain the false identity. In one case, a 30-year-old architect allegedly transferred ₹9.52 lakh after communicating with the fake profile.
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How Did the Fake Profile Work?
According to police, Ramkumar had been operating matrimonial profiles under the name “Aishwarya” on different platforms since 2024.
He allegedly used photographs of a woman and communicated with prospective grooms while posing as her.
Whenever a man requested a video call, Ramkumar allegedly claimed that Aishwarya was undergoing IRS training in Delhi, Faridabad or Mussoorie and was not permitted to make video calls.
How Was One Man Duped of ₹9.52 Lakh?
Police said Karthik, a 30-year-old architect from Kathirvedu, registered on a matrimonial website in April and subsequently began communicating with the profile.
After gaining his trust, the person behind the profile allegedly began asking him for money.
The accused allegedly claimed that Aishwarya’s parents had died and that she needed financial assistance.
Victim Transferred Money After Repeated Requests
When Karthik hesitated to provide money, the accused allegedly threatened suicide and asked him to transfer funds to the bank account of Aishwarya’s purported brother.
Police said Karthik transferred a total of ₹9.52 lakh through multiple transactions between April 5 and August 7.
When communication suddenly stopped, he suspected fraud and approached the West Zone Cybercrime Police.
How Was the Accused Traced?
Investigators examined the transactions and mobile numbers allegedly used in the fraud and traced Ramkumar to Theni district, where he was arrested.
Police said two mobile phones, a laptop, six ATM cards, two passbooks, two cheque books and six SIM cards were seized.
An IRS seal and a board bearing the name of the Narcotics Department were also allegedly recovered. Police froze ₹1.52 lakh found in one of his bank accounts.
Police initially suspected that multiple people were operating the alleged fraud.
The investigation, however, allegedly found that Ramkumar used different SIM cards and assumed several identities himself.
At different times, he allegedly posed as the prospective bride, her mother and her brother.
More Victims Under Investigation
Police are investigating whether additional prospective grooms were targeted through the matrimonial profiles.
Investigators are examining the mobile numbers, bank accounts, profiles and transaction records allegedly linked to Ramkumar to determine the full extent of the operation.
They are also examining allegations that he posed as an IRS or Narcotics Control Bureau officer to obtain SIM cards and bank accounts from other people.
Ramkumar has been remanded in judicial custody while the investigation continues.
The420 Takeaway: Verify Before Trusting a Matrimonial Profile
Online conversations and convincing personal stories cannot establish someone’s identity. Before sending money to a person met through a matrimonial platform, users should independently verify their identity and treat repeated excuses for avoiding direct verification as a warning sign.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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