New Delhi: Online dating and matrimonial platforms, once seen as spaces to build meaningful relationships, are increasingly becoming fertile ground for sophisticated cyber frauds. In a shocking case that highlights the dark side of digital relationships, a man from West Bengal allegedly duped nearly 500 women of over ₹2 crore by posing under multiple identities and exploiting emotional trust.
Love turned lethal
The accused, identified as Anand Kumar, a resident of North 24 Parganas, was arrested following a detailed investigation into a series of complaints linked to online financial fraud. The case has exposed a well-planned pattern of deception where emotional manipulation was used as a primary tool to extract money from victims over an extended period.
According to investigators, Kumar created multiple fake profiles on dating apps and matrimonial platforms, presenting himself as a doctor, businessman, film producer, or lawyer. These identities were carefully crafted to appear credible and appealing, allowing him to initiate conversations with women seeking companionship or marriage. Over time, he would build trust and develop emotional connections, often going as far as proposing marriage.
FCRF Returns With CDPO, Its Premier Data Protection Certification for Privacy Professionals
He sold love, borrowed trust and vanished with crores
The core of the fraud lay in what experts describe as “emotional engineering.” Once a level of trust was established, the accused would fabricate urgent situations—such as medical emergencies, business losses, or family crises—and request financial assistance. In several cases, victims were convinced that they were helping a future partner in distress, making them more likely to transfer money without suspicion.
After receiving the funds, the accused would either cut off communication or continue spinning new stories to extract additional payments. In many instances, he abruptly disappeared from all platforms, leaving victims with no way to contact him. This pattern of engaging, extracting, and vanishing became a consistent modus operandi across multiple cases.
The fraud came to light after a woman filed a complaint alleging that a person using the name “Vaibhav Arora” had cheated her of around ₹7 lakh. The two had connected on a dating platform before moving their conversation to social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. The accused promised marriage, sought money under false pretences, and eventually stopped responding. To avoid further contact, he even fabricated a story about his own death.
Marriage promises became the bait in a chilling emotional loot game
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Kumar was simultaneously operating several fake identities, including names such as Rohit Bahl, Tarun, Anand Sharma, and even “Shikha.” This multi-identity approach helped him evade suspicion and continue targeting new victims without raising red flags.
Search operations led to the recovery of four mobile phones, eight SIM cards, and three debit cards from the accused. Officials said these tools were instrumental in managing multiple identities and financial transactions. Additionally, gold jewellery purchased using the proceeds of the fraud was also seized, indicating how the accused converted illicit gains into tangible assets.
Behind charming profiles lurked a serial fraudster hunting for vulnerable hearts
Preliminary findings suggest that a significant portion of the defrauded money was spent on online gaming and maintaining a lavish lifestyle. Investigators are now tracing the complete financial trail to identify the total extent of the fraud and any potential accomplices who may have assisted in executing or facilitating the scheme.
Authorities have also revealed that similar cases had previously been registered against the accused in Delhi and Ghaziabad, raising concerns about the scale and duration of his operations. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger organised network.
Cyber crime experts warn that such cases are classic examples of social engineering, where human emotions are manipulated to bypass rational decision-making. Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh noted that fraudsters increasingly target sensitive aspects of life such as relationships and marriage to build trust quickly and exploit victims financially.
This incident serves as a strong reminder of the risks associated with online interactions. Experts advise users to verify identities, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and remain cautious when conversations shift to private platforms. Any request for money, especially from someone known only online, should be treated as a red flag.
As digital platforms continue to evolve, this case underscores a troubling trend—cyber fraud is no longer just about technology, but about understanding and exploiting human psychology, making it far more dangerous and difficult to detect.
