A woman from Belagavi has fallen victim to a matrimonial scam, losing Rs 3.38 lakh to a fraudster who posed as a prospective groom. The accused allegedly gained her trust over several weeks, claiming that his family had approved of their proposed marriage. The two remained in contact between March and May, during which the man extracted money from her under various pretexts.
How the scam unfolded
The woman, a resident of Belagavi, registered on a matrimonial website in search of a suitable match. She was contacted by the accused, who introduced himself as a well-settled professional. Over time, he built a rapport with her, discussing marriage plans and even involving his purported family in the conversations. Once he had her trust, he began asking for money, citing emergencies such as medical expenses and business needs. The woman transferred a total of Rs 3.38 lakh through multiple transactions.
Police investigation launched
After realizing she had been deceived, the woman filed a complaint with the Belagavi police. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating and criminal breach of trust. The cyber crime wing is also investigating the matter to trace the accused, who is believed to have used a fake identity. Police have urged citizens to exercise caution while interacting with unknown individuals on matrimonial platforms and to verify details before sharing personal or financial information.
Rising cases of matrimonial fraud
This incident highlights the growing menace of matrimonial scams in the digital age. Fraudsters often create fake profiles on matrimonial websites to exploit individuals seeking life partners. Authorities recommend cross-checking profiles through video calls, verifying employment details, and avoiding financial transactions until meeting in person. The Belagavi police have advised victims to report such incidents promptly to prevent further losses.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are hopeful of apprehending the culprit soon.
