Rajasthan Police Issues Urgent Alert on Matrimonial and Dating App Investment Scams
In a significant development, the Rajasthan Police's Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit has issued a stern warning about a disturbing new trend in online fraud. Criminals are increasingly exploiting matrimonial platforms and dating applications to target unsuspecting individuals, using elaborate emotional manipulation tactics to funnel them into fraudulent investment schemes.
Sophisticated Scam Operation Uncovered
According to detailed analysis by cybercrime officials, there has been a sharp and alarming increase in such cases across the state. Deputy Inspector General (Cyber Crime) Vikas Sharma revealed that fraudsters are systematically misusing popular matrimonial websites like Jeevansathi.com and Shaadi.com, alongside widely-used dating apps including Tinder, Bumble, and Cupid.
"The modus operandi involves creating highly convincing fake profiles using stolen photographs and fabricated personal details," Sharma explained. "These criminals often portray themselves as well-paid professionals or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to gain immediate credibility and trust."
The Emotional Manipulation and Financial Trap
The scam follows a carefully orchestrated pattern that unfolds over several weeks. Once initial contact is established through these platforms, the conversation typically shifts to WhatsApp, where the fraudsters invest considerable time building emotional connections with their targets.
- Scammers conduct regular video calls, sometimes using fake office backgrounds or overseas settings to enhance their credibility.
- They employ sophisticated psychological tactics to create strong emotional bonds with victims.
- After establishing trust, they gradually introduce discussions about exclusive investment opportunities.
"The fraudsters push victims toward cryptocurrency investments or other so-called 'high-return' opportunities," Sharma stated. "They make unrealistic promises of quick and substantial financial gains, which serves as the primary hook to entrap individuals."
The Financial Drain and Abrupt Disappearance
Victims are systematically coerced into transferring money through multiple transactions, often starting with smaller amounts that gradually increase as the scam progresses. The fraudsters maintain constant communication during this phase, providing false updates and reassurances about the investments' performance.
The scheme reaches its conclusion once the victims' funds are completely drained. At this critical juncture, the scammers abruptly cut off all contact—disabling their fake profiles, blocking phone numbers, and disappearing without a trace, leaving victims both financially devastated and emotionally traumatized.
Comprehensive Safety Advisory from Rajasthan Police
In response to this growing threat, Rajasthan Police has issued a comprehensive public advisory with crucial safety guidelines:
- Profile Verification: Never trust online profiles at face value. Use reverse image searches to verify photographs and be skeptical of profiles that seem too perfect.
- Information Protection: Avoid sharing personal photographs, bank details, or sensitive financial information with online acquaintances you haven't met in person.
- Financial Red Flags: Be extremely wary of anyone promising unusually high returns in short timeframes—this is a classic indicator of investment fraud.
- Institutional Alerts: Regularly review fraud alerts and security advisories issued by banks and financial institutions.
Immediate Response Protocol for Victims
For individuals who suspect they may have fallen victim to these scams, Rajasthan Police has established clear response protocols:
- Immediately contact the national cyber helpline at 1930 for urgent assistance.
- Lodge a formal complaint through the official cyber crime reporting portal.
- For Rajasthan-specific support, utilize the dedicated helpline numbers 9256001930 and 9257510100 operated by the state's cyber helpdesk.
The police emphasize that prompt reporting significantly increases the chances of recovering lost funds and helps authorities track and apprehend the criminals behind these sophisticated operations.
