The rise in fraudulent activities on matrimonial sites in India has raised alarm bells across the country. Individuals have reported falling victim to scams conducted through these platforms, where deceptive profiles with false information lure users into relationships.
The impact of such scams goes beyond emotional distress, with financial losses estimated at billions of dollars annually, contributing significantly to India’s online financial fraud landscape.
The evolution of the traditional marriage process over the past two decades has seen a substantial shift towards online marriage platforms offering a blend of traditional values and modern technology. Matrimonial platforms have gained popularity by operating searchable databases of potential life partners. However, the rise in matrimonial site fraud has eclipsed the security of these platforms.
These sites, classified as ‘intermediaries’ under the IT Act, 2000, are held responsible for frauds committed through their platforms. Unfortunately, according to experts, these websites often lack Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, making them vulnerable to fraudulent activities. On one of these sites, News18 found that it is quite easy to create a matrimonial profile by selecting a few options like religion, height, body type, complexion, income and others.
Therefore, online matrimonial fraud practices generally involve the creation of fake profiles with attractive descriptions, often portraying the person as settled or working abroad.
Fraudsters target innocent profiles, especially widows, divorced persons or financially strong people. After establishing communication through phone numbers and email addresses, the fraudsters delete their profiles on the matrimonial site to continue interacting privately. Once trust is gained, fraudsters demand money under various pretexts, such as customs clearance, conversion fees, or government clearance, and disappear after receiving the money.
The recent cases of 2022 highlight the seriousness of this issue.
In one example, an Ahmedabad-based software engineer lost nearly Rs 1 crore in cryptocurrencies after he met a woman through a matrimonial site who turned out to be a scammer. Another case involved a Delhi-based woman who was physically assaulted and defrauded of over Rs 8 lakh by a man she met through a matrimonial site. Similarly, a 32-year-old woman reportedly fell victim to a scam where she was duped of Rs 6 lakh by a man posing as a merchant navy officer serving in Sweden on a matrimonial website.
Individuals are advised to take certain precautions to protect themselves from online matrimonial fraud. Such as:
• Check out various matrimonial websites: Do thorough research on the available platforms, check reviews and verified profiles.
• Profile Check: Check the details given in the profile, verify the information and cross-check on social media platforms.
• take it slow: Avoid haste in taking decisions; Real people won’t push for quick progress.
• Avoid financial transactions: Avoid getting involved in any financial transactions until trust is firmly established.
• meet in person: If comfortable, arrange to meet in a public place, preferably with a friend or family member.
Additionally, individuals should be alert to red flags such as reluctance to share personal details, sudden requests for money transfers, or a rush to a quick marriage. The anonymity provided by online platforms requires a cautious approach to guard against potential fraudsters. While the convenience of online matrimony platforms has changed the matchmaking landscape, users must remain vigilant to ensure a safe and genuine experience when looking for a life partner.
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