Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Police have uncovered an alleged cyber fraud racket operating under the guise of a fake marriage bureau and arrested 10 women in connection with the case. The accused allegedly lured people with promises of arranging marriages and collected money in the name of registration fees and other service charges. Preliminary investigation has revealed a fraud of nearly ₹10 lakh, although investigators believe both the number of victims and the total amount involved could increase as the probe progresses.
According to the police, the operation was carried out under Operation Cy-Vajra following multiple complaints about online fraud involving fake marriage bureaus. Acting on technical surveillance and confidential inputs, police raided a call centre operating in the Cantt area of Varanasi, where the 10 women were taken into custody. Investigators found that the women were allegedly operating the call centre and contacting prospective victims with false promises of finding suitable marriage partners.
During the raid, police seized 27 mobile phones, several important documents, bank account records, and data relating to individuals who were allegedly targeted in the fraud. The confiscated digital devices are being subjected to forensic examination to determine how long the racket had been operating and whether victims from other states were also targeted.
Preliminary findings indicate that the gang promoted itself as a genuine marriage bureau through websites and social media advertisements. The advertisements promised suitable life partners and attractive matchmaking services. Interested individuals were persuaded to pay registration charges, after which additional fees were allegedly demanded under various pretexts. In several cases, fake matrimonial profiles were reportedly used to gain the victims’ trust. Once the money was received, communication was either discontinued or the victims were repeatedly asked to make further payments on different excuses.
Police said the seized documents and digital records contain details of several potential victims. Investigators are now analysing these records to determine the total number of people who were cheated and to trace the flow of money through the bank accounts used in the operation. Financial transactions, call records, and online activities are also being examined to identify the full extent of the network.
The investigation has now expanded to identify the alleged mastermind and any other individuals associated with the racket. Police are also trying to determine whether the operation was limited to Varanasi or had spread to other cities and states. A detailed examination of bank accounts, digital devices, and financial records is underway to uncover the complete network behind the alleged fraud.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that cyber fraud involving fake marriage bureaus and online matrimonial platforms is on the rise. They advise people not to pay registration fees or service charges without first verifying the authenticity of a marriage bureau. Individuals should independently verify matrimonial profiles and use only trusted and verified platforms for any financial transactions. Experts also caution that demands for urgent payments or repeated requests for additional fees in the name of marriage arrangements are common warning signs of fraud. Victims are encouraged to report such incidents immediately to the police or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Police have begun questioning the arrested women, and efforts are underway to identify other members of the alleged racket.
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.
