Pune : The rise in fraudulent activities on matchmaking portals has raised alarms as a 32-year-old woman from Kothrud in Pune was swindled of Rs 4.10 lakh by an unidentified person she met on a well-known matchmaking platform. The suspect, feigning genuine interest in marriage, managed to lure the victim into a web of deceit, exploiting the promise of a future together.
The victim, employed at a multinational company, reported the incident to the Pune city cyber cell, prompting the registration of a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for cheating and the Information Technology Act at the Kothrud police station.
Senior Inspector Sandeep Deshmane, heading the investigation, revealed that the victim initiated contact with the accused through the matchmaking portal. The fraudster, posing as a potential life partner, manipulated the victim into believing his sincerity. Over a span of a month, between November 17 and December 19 of the previous year, the suspect cunningly extracted Rs 4.10 lakh from the victim through a series of false reasons.
Initially, the victim transferred smaller amounts, reassured by the suspect’s promises of prompt repayment. However, as the sums escalated, communication abruptly ceased. It was only then that the victim realized she had fallen prey to a well-orchestrated scam.
Inspector Deshmane assured, “A complaint has been registered, and our investigation is underway. We are committed to bringing the culprit to justice, and we anticipate making an arrest soon.”
This incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities within online matchmaking platforms, urging users to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of individuals they connect with.
