Pune. A 34-year-old woman from Janawadi allegedly lost ₹21.90 lakh after cyber fraudsters used an online matrimonial platform to establish contact with her and promised marriage. One of the suspects posed as a professional living in France and claimed he would travel to India to meet her. Later, another person allegedly contacted her while posing as an immigration officer and demanded payments towards visa fees, visa clearance, ticket charges and currency conversion. The woman eventually realised she had been duped and approached Chaturshringi police on Friday.
According to police, the fraud took place between August 8 and 25. The woman had uploaded her profile on a matrimonial website while looking for a prospective partner. The accused had also created a profile on the same platform. One of them sent her an interest request, which she accepted, following which the two began communicating through the website.
Claimed to be a professional based in France
During their conversations, the accused allegedly claimed to be a professional living in France. He told the woman that he would travel to India to meet her and take their relationship forward. Later, she received a call from another person who claimed to be an immigration officer.
The caller allegedly told her that the man she had been communicating with had been detained in France while travelling to India to meet her. The accused then claimed that certain formalities related to his travel and immigration process needed to be completed before he could proceed.
The woman was subsequently asked to make several payments under different pretexts, including visa fees, visa clearance charges, ticket expenses and currency conversion charges. Police said she was also threatened with legal action if she failed to make the demanded payments.
Emotional trust used to extract money
According to investigators, the fraudsters repeatedly convinced the woman that the prospective partner was genuinely stranded in France and that immediate payments were required to facilitate his travel to India. Believing their claims, she transferred money several times to a UPI ID provided by the suspects.
The total amount allegedly transferred by the woman reached ₹21.90 lakh. She became suspicious when the accused continued demanding additional payments. She then searched for information online and realised that she had allegedly fallen victim to a matrimonial cyber fraud.
Police begin investigation
After discovering the fraud, the woman approached Chaturshringi police, who registered her complaint and began an investigation. Investigators are examining the mobile numbers used to contact her, the matrimonial profiles involved and the UPI ID through which the payments were collected.
Police are also tracing the bank accounts linked to the transferred funds to determine where the money was initially received and whether it was subsequently moved through multiple accounts. Digital conversations, payment records and messages exchanged between the woman and the suspects are also being examined.
Cybercrime expert warns against trust-based scams
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said matrimonial fraudsters typically build emotional trust before creating an emergency involving travel, immigration, medical treatment or legal problems and then demanding money.
He said people should independently verify the identity, employment, location and other claims of anyone they meet through matrimonial websites before entering into financial transactions. Any sudden demand for money through UPI, bank transfer or other payment channels, particularly when accompanied by pressure or threats, should be treated as a major warning sign.
Police have advised people not to transfer money at the request of individuals met through matrimonial websites or social media on the pretext of visa processing, tickets, immigration formalities, medical emergencies or other urgent requirements. Anyone who encounters a suspicious payment demand should immediately contact their bank and report the matter to the cybercrime authorities.
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.
