Hyderabad Doctor Defrauded of Over ₹1.1 Crore in Sophisticated Matrimonial Scam
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a doctor from Hyderabad has been duped of more than ₹1.1 crore by a scammer who orchestrated an elaborate scheme involving a fake matrimonial profile. According to the cyber crime police, the incident unfolded over several months, highlighting the growing sophistication of online scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
The Initial Contact and Deceptive Romance
The complainant, a doctor, enrolled on a popular matrimonial application in November of last year, seeking a life partner. Shortly after, she was contacted on WhatsApp by a man who expressed a keen interest in marrying her. To build trust, the caller claimed to be a foreign national and shared photographs along with documents, including a driving licence, which appeared legitimate at first glance.
After a few days of communication, the scammer informed the doctor that he was planning to visit India specifically to meet her in person. This move was designed to deepen the emotional connection and further establish credibility.
The Fabricated Arrest and Impersonation Scheme
The situation took a dramatic turn when the doctor received a call from a woman who identified herself as an officer from Delhi airport. This individual falsely claimed that the prospective fiancé had been arrested for illegally possessing foreign currency. The caller, along with others posing as officials from various security agencies, then threatened to detain him unless money was paid.
Over the period from November to February, the accused repeatedly contacted the victim, impersonating authorities and citing a range of fabricated reasons to demand funds. These included payments for GST, income tax, International Monetary Fund (IMF) certificates, and visa renewal fees. The victim was misled into believing that all the money would be refunded once the alleged legal issues were resolved.
The Realization and Police Investigation
The scam continued until a few days ago, when the callers suddenly became inaccessible. It was at this point that the doctor realized she had fallen victim to a well-planned cyber fraud operation. She promptly reported the incident to the cyber crime police, who have launched an investigation into the matter.
Key details from the police statement include:
- The accused used multiple fake identities to impersonate officials and manipulate the victim.
- The scam relied on creating a false sense of urgency and fear regarding the arrest of the supposed fiancé.
- The total amount defrauded exceeds ₹1.1 crore, making it a significant financial loss for the victim.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions, particularly on platforms where personal and emotional vulnerabilities are involved. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of individuals and claims before transferring any money.
