A 33-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) from Trichy has allegedly lost Rs 38.5 lakh after being tricked into investing in a fraudulent online trading platform by a woman he met through a matrimony application. The incident has been reported to the Trichy city cybercrime police, who have registered a case and launched an investigation.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the police, the victim, identified as Ram Prakash, a resident of Thiruvanaikoil in Trichy, is currently employed in Saudi Arabia. In November 2025, his 68-year-old father received a matrimonial proposal via a mobile application from a man named Subash. Subash introduced his daughter, Parkavi, as a prospective bride for Ram Prakash.
After exchanging contact details, Ram Prakash began communicating with Parkavi through WhatsApp calls. She allegedly claimed to be working as a senior manager with a logistics and supply chain company in Germany. Over time, she persuaded him to invest in an e-commerce trading platform, promising high returns on his investments.
Financial Losses
Believing her claims, Ram Prakash transferred a total of Rs 38.5 lakh in multiple instalments to various bank accounts between November 2025 and April 2026, following her instructions. However, when neither the promised returns nor any details about the investment were forthcoming, he realized that he had been cheated.
Legal Action
Through his father, Ram Prakash lodged a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Based on the complaint, the Trichy city cybercrime police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. An investigation is currently underway to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost amount.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for individuals using matrimonial apps and online platforms, highlighting the need for vigilance against cyber fraudsters who exploit trust for financial gain.
