A growing wave of cyber fraud has struck Visakhapatnam, where more than ten women have collectively lost over ₹20 lakh to online scammers posing as non-resident Indians (NRIs) seeking marriage. Authorities say the fraudsters, operating through matrimonial websites, lured victims with promises of love and marriage, only to manipulate them into parting with their savings.
Pattern of Deception Emerges
One 40-year-old woman from Gajuwaka was targeted after meeting a man on a matrimonial site who claimed to be a businessman abroad. After weeks of online conversations, the fraudster promised to marry her. He later told her he had sent expensive gifts, including gold jewellery and electronic gadgets, which never arrived.
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The woman then received calls from individuals posing as customs officers and central authorities, who demanded over ₹2.5 lakh in fees to release the supposed packages. Believing the claims, she transferred the money. The demands continued, with callers pressing her for additional payments under the guise of official charges.
In another case, a widow in the city lost ₹5 lakh under similar circumstances. She was persuaded to deposit the money to claim high-value gifts allegedly sent by her would-be husband. Only later did she realize she had been deceived.
Police Raise Alarm on Rising Trend
Police officials noted that the victims not only drained their personal savings but, in some cases, also took loans or borrowed from friends to meet the fraudsters’ demands. Investigators believe the actual number of women defrauded is higher, as some victims remain silent due to embarrassment or fear of social stigma.
Authorities have urged women to remain cautious when engaging on matrimonial platforms. Fraudsters, they warned, often create sophisticated profiles, gain trust quickly, and then exploit emotions by fabricating stories of financial hardship or gifts held at customs.
Officials stressed the importance of verifying identities, avoiding financial transfers to strangers, and being skeptical of sudden requests for money. They reiterated that legitimate customs authorities never demand payments via personal phone calls.