Kanpur: A woman in Kanpur has allegedly lost around ₹4 lakh in a cyber fraud after being targeted through a matrimonial website. The accused allegedly posed as a businessman living in the United Kingdom (UK), built an emotional connection with the victim and later cheated her by promising expensive gifts from abroad. The money was allegedly collected in multiple instalments in the name of customs charges, taxes and other formalities. After realising she had been duped, the woman filed a complaint on the national cyber helpline 1930, following which the cyber police started an investigation.
According to the complaint, the woman was living at her parental home after separating from her husband. She had created a profile on a matrimonial website with the intention of finding a suitable partner. During this period, a man identified as Aarav Patil contacted her. The accused allegedly claimed that he was originally from Gujarat and was currently residing in the UK as a successful businessman.
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During their conversations, the accused reportedly gathered information about the woman’s personal circumstances and showed sympathy towards her. Over time, he allegedly gained her confidence by assuring her that he wanted to support her and would help her in adopting a child.
After establishing regular communication, the accused allegedly claimed that he had received a major business contract and wanted to send expensive gifts from the UK as a gesture of happiness. He assured the woman that the parcel containing valuable gifts would soon reach her.
The next day, the woman allegedly received a call from a person claiming to be an employee of Mumbai Airport. The caller told her that the parcel sent from the UK had been stopped by customs authorities and demanded an initial payment of ₹8,000 to release it.
Following this, the fraudsters allegedly continued demanding money under different pretexts, including customs duty, taxes, clearance charges and other official procedures. The victim continued transferring money in multiple instalments after believing their claims.
According to the complaint, the woman even pledged her jewellery to arrange the required amount and transferred money through a QR code sent by the accused. In total, she allegedly lost nearly ₹4 lakh in the fraudulent transaction. When the accused continued making excuses and later stopped responding, the woman realised that she had become a victim of a planned cyber fraud.
After the complaint was filed, cyber police began examining mobile numbers, digital payment records, bank accounts and other electronic evidence linked to the transaction. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the accused is part of an organised cybercrime network involved in similar frauds.
Separate Complaint Over ₹98,000 Transfer From SBI Account
In another cyber fraud case reported from Kanpur, Mohd. Sharib, a resident of Chaman Ganj, alleged that ₹98,000 was transferred from his State Bank of India (SBI) account to a Google Pay account without his authorisation.
The complainant stated that he neither shared any OTP with anyone nor provided confidential banking details. After receiving the complaint, police contacted the concerned bank and initiated the process of placing a hold on the transferred amount. Further investigation into the transaction trail is underway.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), cybercriminals involved in “gift parcel” scams through matrimonial websites, social media platforms and messaging applications first build emotional trust with victims before demanding repeated payments in the name of customs fees, taxes, clearance charges or other formalities. FCRF said that individuals should verify such claims through official channels before making payments to unknown persons, bank accounts or QR codes in exchange for promised gifts from abroad.
Experts say cybercriminals often use foreign phone numbers, fake identities, fabricated documents and impersonation of airport or government officials to mislead victims. Immediate reporting through the 1930 cyber helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal can improve the chances of recovering lost money and help agencies track the offenders.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
