If you are searching for a life partner through matrimonial or dating apps, you need to stay alert. Recently, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued a warning on its official X handle about the rise in cyber frauds on these platforms. According to the advisory, cyber criminals are targeting people seeking marriage and relationships by exploiting their emotions. Fraudsters create fake profiles and present themselves as well-educated, successful, employed in reputed companies, or working abroad. They slowly gain the trust of the user and develop an emotional bond. After establishing trust, they manipulate the victim into sending money or investing in cryptocurrency schemes. In several cases, scammers also persuade victims to share private photos or engage in nude video calls. They secretly record these interactions and later blackmail the victim, demanding money. I4C has advised people to remain cautious while forming online relationships. Today, in the Cyber Literacy column, we explain in detail how this matrimonial-dating scam works. We will also understand: How to identify fake profiles on matrimonial and dating apps? What precautions should be taken to stay safe? Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police Question: What are matrimonial and dating apps? How do they work? Answer:
These are online platforms where people look for partners for marriage or relationships. Their functioning can be understood through these points: Users create profiles with details like name, age, education, job, income, photos, and interests. The apps suggest matches using filters such as age, location, profession, and income. When two users show interest, they can communicate through chat, calls, or video calls. As conversations continue, emotional bonding develops, which scammers often misuse. Question: How do scams happen on matrimonial and dating platforms? Answer:
Cyber criminals create fake profiles to win people’s trust. They build emotional connections and later cheat victims in the name of investment or financial help. Question: Why do people fall victim to such scams? Answer:
People looking for partners tend to trust easily, which becomes their biggest weakness. Reasons include: Fraudsters exploit emotional needs and the desire for marriage. Fake profiles often appear genuine, successful, and wealthy. Continuous communication, affection, and marriage promises create emotional dependence. Once trust is established, scammers manipulate victims financially. Question: How can you identify scams on matrimonial and dating apps? Answer:
Some common warning signs include: Incomplete or unclear profile information. Refusal to meet in person and insistence on online communication only. Asking personal, financial, or family details early. Sudden requests for money citing emergencies. Encouraging investment in crypto or other schemes. Reverse image search showing the profile photo belongs to someone else. These are strong indicators of a fake profile. Question: What precautions should you take to stay safe? Answer:
Follow these safety measures: Do not trust strangers immediately. Verify profile details carefully. Check social media accounts for authenticity. Search their name, company, and location online. Meet for the first time only in a public place. Inform or take a friend along for the first meeting. Avoid sharing your home address. Use a separate phone number or email. Save chat screenshots as evidence. Stop communication if money is requested. Be cautious of overly romantic or dramatic language. Discuss with family or friends before making decisions. Be alert if they talk about marriage too quickly. Be cautious if they ask many personal questions but share little themselves. Question: What should you do if you become a victim? Answer:
Do not panic. Take these steps immediately: Call the cybercrime helpline number 1930. File a complaint on the official cybercrime portal. Block and report the fraudster’s account. Inform your bank immediately to prevent further loss. Staying aware and alert is the best way to protect yourself from matrimonial and dating scams.
