What Is the New Matrimony Scam Model the MHA Is Warning About?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh cyber advisory warning that fraudsters are increasingly exploiting matrimony platforms to deceive individuals emotionally and cheat them financially. The alert, prepared by the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) under the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), highlights a steep surge in complaints involving fake profiles and investment scams linked to marriage platforms.

According to the advisory, scamsters are creating highly convincing profiles on leading matrimony websites such as Shaadi.com, Jeevansathi.com and Matrimony.com, as well as on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. Many of these profiles use stolen or morphed photographs and fabricated personal details to project the image of a successful professional. Posing as NRIs, defence officers or employees of reputed companies has become a common tactic to quickly appear credible.

Investigators say that criminals are deliberately targeting financially stable individuals by using age, profession and income filters. Once a match is established, the fraudster initiates frequent communication - calls, chats and even WhatsApp video interactions - to build emotional closeness. Some even use digitally altered backgrounds during video calls to strengthen their false identity. Over time, victims begin to trust them, believing they have found a serious life partner.

It is at this point that the fraudsters introduce investment opportunities, often built around cryptocurrency or online trading schemes. The advisory notes that scammers create fabricated emergencies, emotional persuasion and false assurances of high returns to convince victims to transfer large sums of money. Several complainants have reported being trapped after weeks or months of emotional bonding that felt genuine.

Authorities have urged users to verify identities thoroughly through background checks and reverse image searches, particularly when the profile appears unusually perfect or the person pushes for quick emotional attachment. The advisory also warns the public against sharing personal, financial or sensitive information with individuals they have never met in person.

The MHA has cautioned that investment proposals that promise guaranteed or unusually high returns within a short period are a major red flag. Citizens encountering any suspicious behaviour on matrimony platforms are encouraged to report the matter on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

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