BENGALURU— What began as a search for a life partner on a matrimonial portal ended in a financial nightmare for a 32-year-old software engineer from Ullal Upanagara. The man, whose identity has not been released, fell victim to a cybercriminal he believed was a prospective bride, losing a total of ₹55.64 lakh in a meticulously planned cryptocurrency scam. The fraudster, operating under the name Niharika Gowda on a matrimonial platform for the Vokkaliga community, slowly gained the victim’s trust before luring him into a fake investment scheme. The police have since registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
The Digital Courtship
The initial contact was established on a specialized matrimonial platform, where the victim and “Niharika Gowda” began chatting. Their conversations quickly moved from introductions to the topic of marriage, fostering a sense of genuine connection and future possibility. Over time, the scammer built a solid foundation of trust with the techie, which would later be leveraged for the fraud. This deliberate and patient approach allowed the criminal to disarm the victim’s skepticism.
The Lure of Fake Investments
After establishing a rapport, the fraudster introduced the idea of cryptocurrency investment, touting its profitability. She sent the victim a link to a fraudulent website and guided him on how to create a digital wallet. The site was designed to appear legitimate, creating a deceptive environment. The victim, trusting his new acquaintance, initially transferred Rs 1 lakh as a test investment. The scammer’s guidance was key she directed his actions making the process seem credible and simple.
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A Cascade of Financial Losses
Following the initial transfer, the fake website showed immediate and impressive gains, creating the illusion that the investment was highly successful. This deceptive display encouraged the techie to continue investing larger sums. He made multiple transactions over a period, eventually transferring a total of ₹55.64 lakh. The criminal expertly manipulated his trust and desire for financial success, leading him deeper into the trap with each transfer. The fake profits served as a powerful incentive to keep investing more.
The Unraveling and Police Action
The victim’s realization of the fraud came when he attempted to withdraw his funds and found himself unable to do so. The fraudulent website provided no means to retrieve the money. Simultaneously, “Niharika Gowda” ceased all communication, leaving the victim with no one to turn to. He promptly reported the crime to the authorities. The police have registered a case under the Information Technology (IT) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and a probe is currently underway to track down the perpetrator and dismantle the criminal network behind the scam.