Nagpur: Matrimonial websites, which are meant to help people find life partners, are increasingly being allegedly misused by offenders to establish relationships, exploit women and commit financial fraud, according to Nagpur Police.
Police officials have flagged an alarming trend in recent months in which women who registered on matrimonial platforms to find suitable grooms allegedly ended up being sexually exploited, cheated of money or threatened with the circulation of private photographs and videos.
According to police, offenders often begin by establishing contact through matrimonial websites and gradually gain the confidence of women. After allegedly assuring them of marriage, some accused seek sexual favours or persuade the women to meet them privately.
In some cases, police have found that accused allegedly borrowed money by citing financial difficulties, business losses or medical emergencies. After obtaining money or entering into relationships, the accused allegedly refused to marry or continued to exploit the victims.
Police have also come across cases involving the alleged misuse of private photographs and videos. Such material, recorded or shared during relationships, is allegedly used to threaten and blackmail victims. In some instances, the situation can escalate into sextortion, with victims being pressured to pay money to prevent intimate content from being circulated.
Men Also Targeted in Matrimonial Frauds
Police officials stressed that matrimonial fraud is not restricted to women. Men have also reportedly been targeted by individuals using fake matrimonial identities.
In a recent case, Gittikhadan Police arrested a woman accused of allegedly duping eight men of nearly ₹2 crore by luring them into fraudulent marriages. The case highlights how fake matrimonial profiles and promises of marriage can be used to financially exploit prospective brides and grooms.
Police Advise Background Checks
Police have advised people using matrimonial platforms to exercise caution and conduct proper background verification before taking relationships forward.
Officials have also advised users to meet prospective partners at public places, particularly during the initial stages, and avoid giving expensive gifts or transferring money based solely on claims of financial emergencies.
Police further urged people to be cautious about sharing private photographs, videos, financial information and personal documents online.
With matrimonial platforms increasingly becoming a starting point for relationships, police caution that finding a life partner should not mean lowering one’s guard against fraud, exploitation or blackmail.
