Highlights
- Delhi woman loses Rs 6 lakh in a scam by a fake merchant navy officer.
- Scammer posed as a potential suitor on a matrimonial site.
- Victim was deceived into transferring money for a bogus customs issue.
- Police register case under IPC sections 420 and 34, investigation underway.
In a disturbing yet increasingly common incident, a Delhi woman became the latest victim of an online matrimonial scam, losing a substantial amount of Rs 6 lakhs to a con artist.
This case, reported in Pratap Nagar, Delhi, underlines the rising menace of online scams in India, where individuals are duped not only of their private information but also of their hard-earned money.
A Matrimonial Scam: How it Happened
The victim, a 32-year-old resident of Pratap Nagar, encountered the scammer on a matrimonial site.
The fraudster, who identified himself as Pradeep Kumar Thakur, claimed to be a merchant navy officer from Sweden with intentions to settle in India.
The conversations, which began on September 15, quickly moved from the matrimonial site to WhatsApp, marking the start of a well-orchestrated deceit.
Thakur, with his fabricated persona, built a narrative of relocating to India with his mother and young daughter.
He even went as far as to discuss his plans for moving to Delhi, aligning them with the victim’s location.
In October, the scam took a more serious turn when Thakur claimed to be stuck at Mumbai Customs.
The victim received a call from a woman posing as a Customs official, informing her that Thakur was detained for carrying a cheque of Rs 2 crore, an amount exceeding the legal limit for overseas travelers in India.
Caught in a web of lies and feeling a sense of urgency, the Delhi woman transferred Rs 6 lakhs to aid Thakur, only to realize later that she had been scammed.
Police Involved in the Case
A police case was registered on November 30 under sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The authorities are currently investigating the incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with online interactions, particularly on matrimonial sites.
These scams are now rising in number thanks to a large penetration of digital infrastructure in India.
As individuals continue to seek connections online, the importance of being cautious and informed cannot be overstressed.
FAQs
What was the nature of the online matrimonial scam faced by the Delhi woman?
The victim was duped by a scammer posing as a merchant navy officer, leading to a loss of Rs 6 lakh under the pretext of helping him with a customs issue.
How did the scammer approach and convince the victim in the Delhi matrimonial fraud case?
The scammer, posing as a suitor on a matrimonial site, built a false narrative of relocating to India and facing a customs problem, tricking the woman into transferring money.
What are the legal actions taken against the online matrimonial scam in Delhi?
The Delhi Police have registered a case under IPC sections 420 and 34, and are actively investigating the fraud.
How can individuals protect themselves from online matrimonial scams?
It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of individuals met online, especially on matrimonial sites, and to be cautious about sharing personal information or money.
Also Read: 83-Year-Old Retired Government Official in Kolkata Scammed Online, Loses Rs 2.5 Lakh