How do matrimonial frauds happen?
11 January, 2024
Matchmaking and matrimonial sites have helped many people find their soulmates. These sites are helping people significantly in finding their right match. However, it does come with its own set of challenges. Unfortunate souls also encounter dreadful experiences of falling prey and getting scammed by fake profiles.
The matrimonial fraud became so widespread that the Ministry of Finance has issued an advisory wherein fraudsters are targeting innocent Indians to pay customs duty and collect expensive gifts sent by a friend or lover they met online. But fear not! Vigil Aunty has got you covered. She will educate you with everything you should know about online matrimonial frauds so that you stay aware while finding your soulmate.
How do matrimonial frauds happen?
Matrimonial frauds typically involve fraudsters creating fake profiles on online matrimonial sites with the intention of deceiving innocent people. While some fraudsters may do this with the intent of conducting financial fraud or identity theft, others may do this to perpetrate more serious crimes. The following are common methods employed by fraudsters for matrimonial site fraud:
1) Impersonation
Fraudsters often create fake profiles impersonating someone else. They use attractive photos and fabricated personal details to attract more people to choose their profiles. They may even pretend to be non-resident Indians (NRIs) or individuals with prestigious professions to gain your trust.
2) Emotional manipulation
Fraudsters engage in lengthy conversations over a period of time. They try to build emotional connections with their targets. Once they believe that the bond is established and you are getting emotionally involved with them, they start misusing your trust. They fabricate stories of financial hardships, medical emergencies or other crises to solicit money from you.
3) Identity theft
Some fraudsters steal personal information from genuine matrimonial profiles and use it to create fake identities. For instance, they may pick information from a profile on one site and create a fake profile of the same person on the other. This can lead to severe consequences for the victim, including blackmail and financial fraud.
4) Fake matrimonial profiles for criminal activities
In extreme cases, criminals create fake profiles to target vulnerable individuals for more serious offences, such as human trafficking, extortion or escaping taxes like customs duty. Falling victim to such cases comes with dire consequences.
How to identify fake profiles on matrimonial sites
You may be wondering - how do I protect myself from fraud cases on matrimonial sites? The answer is simple - you need to learn to identify fake profiles on matrimonial sites. It’s not difficult if you watch out for the key indicators described by Vigil Aunty while checking out profiles online:
1) Unrealistic profiles
Be cautious of profiles that seem too good and everything looks perfect. Some pointers include highly attractive photos, impressive achievements, moderate needs and expectations, high salaries, etc. You should verify the information provided by cross-referencing it with other sources like social media and mutual connections.
2) Inconsistencies in information
This is a huge red flag and is often easily identifiable. Fraudsters often make mistakes or provide conflicting details in the stories they tell you as compared to the information being displayed in their profile. When you begin talking with someone online, try to know more about them. Pay attention to inconsistencies in educational backgrounds, job details or personal narratives they tell.
3) Too quick to share personal information
You should be wary of individuals who quickly share personal information or request sensitive details from you. Legitimate matches will take time to establish trust before sharing personal details and information.
4) Financial requests
This is the biggest red flag you can easily identify. You should never send money to someone you've met online. Fraudsters fabricate sad stories to take advantage of emotional connection and sympathy. What follows is a financial request with a promise to return the funds shortly. Once you transfer the money, they may disappear suddenly with no trail. Genuine individuals seeking relationships will not ask for financial assistance so early in the relationship.
5) Reluctance to meet in person
Fraudsters often avoid in-person meetings and may provide excuses for not being able to meet, especially when they are using fake profiles or photographs. This is a potential red flag. You should insist on meeting in a public place before committing to a serious relationship. If the other person consistently refuses, then you should part ways quickly.
Online matrimonial frauds are just a drop in the ocean - many frauds are happening one way or the other. Awareness is the defence mechanism you can use to protect yourself. HDFC Bank's Vigil Aunty is actively spreading awareness against different types of fraud, ways in which these are carried out and what you can do to save yourself. Stay informed and safe with Vigil Aunty.
Join Vigil Army, where Vigil Aunty will decode various frauds and give people a heads-up on the dos and don’ts of combating frauds online. To join the Vigil Army, send ‘Hi’ to her via WhatsApp number 7290030000.
