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If you are looking for a bride or groom on a matrimonial site, you may or may not find your match, but you are almost certain to become a victim of fraud. Cybercriminals have now set their sights on matrimonial sites as well. They are posing as prospective brides or grooms to deceive unsuspecting people. In light of this, the Indian government's Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) agency has issued an advisory, urging people to be cautious.

The I4C advisory states that cybercriminals are misusing various matrimonial platforms to create fake profiles. They then use these profiles to perpetrate investment fraud and crypto scams. I4C has reported that based on the increasing number of complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), people are being targeted with investment or crypto scams through fake matrimonial profiles.

Deception through Fake Profiles
The agency says that fraudsters first register on a popular matrimonial website and create attractive, high-profile profiles. They try to gain trust by portraying themselves as businessmen, doctors, engineers, or senior officers in MNCs.

Initially, communication takes place on the platform, then gradually moves to dating apps, social media, and finally to WhatsApp or phone calls. During these lengthy conversations, the fraudsters try to build an emotional connection, making it easier for the victim to fall into their trap.

The Goal: Investment and Crypto Scams
Once the relationship is established, the fraudsters reveal their true intentions. They lure the victim with promises of high-profit investments or cryptocurrency earnings. Initially, they show fake returns on a bogus platform to gain the user's trust. Following this, the victim is persuaded to invest lakhs of rupees, but the money actually goes directly into the fraudsters' accounts, and the entire amount is lost.

I4C's Advice on How to Avoid Scams
Thoroughly Verify Identity
Do not immediately trust someone based on their profile alone. Carefully verify their background, job details, and address. Use reverse image search to verify photos
The easiest way to identify fake profiles is through reverse image search. This reveals whether the same picture is being used elsewhere on the internet, and whether the person is real or a scammer.

Avoid sharing personal details
Do not send your phone number, address, identification documents, photos, or any other personal information to a stranger during your first conversation. Get to know the person, meet them, and only proceed further if you feel comfortable and trust them.

Never exchange money
Do not make the mistake of sending money to any stranger, no matter how strong the relationship seems. The person you meet on a matrimonial platform could be a scammer who might empty your bank account.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.