Noida Woman Defrauded of Rs 65 Lakh by Matrimonial Site Conman

Noida, June 18, 2025 – A 26-year-old woman from Noida, employed at a multinational firm, has fallen victim to a sophisticated financial scam orchestrated by a man she met through a popular matrimonial website. The accused, who posed as a retired Central government employee, allegedly swindled Rs 65 lakh from her over a nine-month period before vanishing, leaving her to grapple with unauthorized loans and depleted savings.

Background of the Incident

The rise of online matrimonial platforms has revolutionized how people seek life partners, offering convenience and a wide pool of prospects. However, these platforms have also become fertile ground for cybercriminals exploiting trust for financial gain. This case, reported in Noida’s Sector 58, underscores the growing menace of online fraud, particularly targeting professionals seeking meaningful relationships. The victim, originally from Bhopal and residing in a rented accommodation in Sector 56, trusted the accused after months of communication, only to discover his elaborate deception when he disappeared.

Breakdown of the Fraud

1. Building Trust Through Deception

The victim, whose identity has been withheld, connected with the accused in 2024 via a matrimonial website. Presenting himself as a former Central government employee who took early retirement to start a business, the man quickly gained her trust. After weeks of online conversations, the two met in person and began living together in Sector 56, Noida, fostering what the woman believed was a genuine relationship.

2. Sophisticated Financial Manipulation

According to police reports, the accused employed advanced tactics to defraud the woman:

• Unauthorized Access: He secretly installed a mobile application on her phone, enabling him to monitor and control her financial transactions without her knowledge.
• Siphoning Savings: Over nine months, he transferred Rs 25 lakh from her savings account to his own, blocking bank notifications to avoid detection.
• Fraudulent Loans: The accused manipulated the victim into taking loans worth Rs 40 lakh in her name, the proceeds of which he diverted to his account using one-time passwords (OTPs) accessed through her phone.

3. Sudden Disappearance

Approximately eight days ago, the man vanished without warning, leaving his phone switched off. The victim grew suspicious when she couldn’t contact him and was later alerted by her bank about irregularities in her account, including the unauthorized loans. This prompted her to approach the authorities.

Police Response and Investigation

The Noida Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of cheating and fraud, at the Sector 58 police station. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Sumit Kumar Shukla, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, stated, “Two specialized teams have been deployed to track the accused, who claimed to be a resident of Madhya Pradesh. We are investigating whether he operated under a false identity.”

Station House Officer (SHO) Amit Kumar of Sector 58 added, “The accused’s ability to block bank alerts and manipulate the victim’s phone highlights the technical sophistication of this crime. We are working to trace his digital footprint and apprehend him swiftly.”

A Broader Trend of Matrimonial Scams

This incident is not isolated. In a similar case reported in Noida’s Sector 41, a 45-year-old woman was defrauded of Rs 56 lakh by a man she met on a matrimonial site. The accused, Prakashbhai Patel, allegedly posed as a prospective groom and coerced her into transferring funds under the pretext of resolving fictitious legal troubles at an airport. A woman posing as a finance ministry official further intimidated the victim with fake summons and threats, leading to multiple transactions totaling Rs 56 lakh between January and April 2025.

These cases highlight the vulnerabilities in online matrimonial platforms, where fraudsters exploit emotional trust to perpetrate financial crimes. Experts urge users to exercise caution, verify identities, and avoid sharing sensitive financial information with unverified individuals.

Advice for Online Safety

To prevent falling prey to such scams, authorities and cybersecurity experts recommend:

• Verify Identities: Cross-check personal details through independent sources before sharing sensitive information.
• Secure Devices: Regularly monitor devices for unauthorized applications and enable two-factor authentication for financial accounts.
• Be Wary of Emotional Manipulation: Fraudsters often use emotional blackmail to pressure victims into financial decisions.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately contact the police or cybercrime units if you suspect foul play.

Ongoing Efforts and Public Awareness

The Noida Police are intensifying efforts to curb cyber fraud, with a focus on educating the public about safe online practices. “We are collaborating with matrimonial platforms to strengthen their verification processes and are conducting awareness campaigns to empower users,” said ADCP Shukla.

As the investigation continues, the victim is left to navigate the financial and emotional toll of the betrayal. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the digital age, where trust can be a double-edged sword.