Software Engineer Scammed After Promises of Marriage Turn Into Financial Deception
A 33-year-old software engineer residing in Mundhwa, Pune, has lodged a complaint with the police alleging a staggering fraud of Rs. 40.5 lakh by an individual she met on a matrimonial website, purportedly based in Australia. The complaint, filed on Monday, recounts a tale of promises turned sour, as what began as hopeful conversations evolved into a financial nightmare for the victim.
According to police investigations, the accused, masquerading as an affluent Australian resident, meticulously cultivated the victim’s trust through online interactions. By weaving a narrative of love and companionship, he exploited her goodwill, fabricating a financial crisis and soliciting monetary aid. Despite having no means to verify the legitimacy of his claims, the victim transferred a substantial sum of Rs. 40.5 lakh to the fraudster’s designated bank accounts over a period of several months.
The sudden cessation of communication in January, following the victim’s attempts to arrange an in-person meeting, unveiled the deception, leaving her emotionally distraught and financially depleted.
Senior Inspector Mahesh Balkotgi of the Mundhwa police reiterated the necessity of scrutinizing bank account details before engaging in financial transactions, revealing that both accounts provided by the scammer were affiliated with Indian banks. This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online relationships and the imperative of exercising vigilance in virtual interactions.
This incident echoes a similar case where the Mahalunge MIDC police apprehended an individual on February 14 for defrauding a woman of Rs. 10.42 lakh under analogous circumstances, further highlighting the prevalence of online matrimonial fraud and the need for heightened awareness among internet users.
