In yet another case highlighting the growing threat of relationship-based cyber frauds, a government school teacher from Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district has allegedly been cheated of nearly ₹34 lakh by a cybercriminal who posed as a London-based doctor on a matrimonial platform. Investigators believe the accused carefully cultivated a relationship with the victim, earned her confidence through regular communication, and ultimately persuaded her to transfer large sums of money under various pretexts before disappearing.
According to information available from the complaint, the victim, a widow employed as a government teacher, had created a profile on a matrimonial website while looking for a life partner after the death of her husband. During her search, she came into contact with a man who introduced himself as Dr. Sanjay Prasad Singh and claimed to be a medical professional residing in London, United Kingdom.
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Emotional Manipulation and Fabricated Customs Clearance
Officials said the conversation initially appeared genuine and focused on personal and family matters. Over time, the accused allegedly developed a close rapport with the woman through frequent calls and messages. Investigators believe the fraudster used emotional manipulation and promises of a future relationship to establish credibility and gain the victim’s trust.
Once confidence had been established, the accused allegedly began requesting money on different grounds. The fraudster claimed he had sent expensive jewelry, watches, and British currency pounds through an international courier service. He then introduced a second accomplice who impersonated a New Delhi customs official. This proxy caller informed the victim that the package had been detained at the airport for customs violations, demanding penalty fees, money laundering clearance certificates, and conversion taxes to avoid legal prosecution.
The Multi-Tranche Banking Drain
Believing the requests to be genuine and panicking over the threatened legal action, the victim reportedly transferred money on multiple occasions to bank accounts specified by the accused. The transactions continued over a period of time, with the woman allegedly making repeated payments without initially suspecting wrongdoing. Investigators said the fraudster appeared to have carefully planned the scheme, ensuring that each demand seemed plausible and connected to the narrative he had created around his identity and circumstances.
The alleged fraud came to light when the woman reviewed her bank account statements and realized that a substantial amount of money had been transferred. By that stage, approximately ₹34 lakh had reportedly been paid to accounts linked to the suspected cybercriminals. After discovering the loss, she approached the cybercrime authorities and lodged a formal complaint seeking action against those responsible.
Tracing the Interstate Mule Network
Following the complaint, investigators initiated a probe and began examining the financial trail associated with the transactions. Authorities are scrutinizing bank accounts, mobile numbers, digital communication records, and online payment channels used in the case. Investigators hope that technical evidence and transaction records will help identify the individuals operating the alleged fraud network, which is suspected to be operating out of Delhi-NCR or the Jamtara region.
Cybercrime experts note that matrimonial frauds have emerged as a significant category of online financial crime in recent years. Fraudsters often create convincing profiles portraying themselves as successful professionals living abroad, including doctors, engineers, military officers, or business executives. After establishing emotional connections with victims, they fabricate emergencies or opportunities requiring financial assistance and persuade victims to transfer money.
Precautions for Online Matrimonial Users
Experts warn that such scams frequently target individuals seeking companionship, marriage, or long-term relationships. The emotional component of these frauds often makes victims less likely to question requests for money, particularly when trust has been built over an extended period. Investigators therefore advise users of matrimonial and social networking platforms to independently verify identities, avoid sharing sensitive personal information, and exercise caution before making any financial transfers.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and efforts are being made to trace the individuals behind the alleged fraud. Financial records and digital evidence are being analyzed to determine where the money ultimately went and whether the accused are linked to a broader cybercrime network. Officials believe further developments may emerge as the probe progresses and additional electronic evidence is examined.
