MHA warns of rising matrimony scams fuelled by fake profiles, crypto traps

Srinagar, Dec 3: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh cyber advisory warning citizens about a sharp spike in fraud cases emerging from online matrimony platforms, where cybercriminals are increasingly using emotional manipulation and cryptocurrency-based traps to dupe users.

The advisory, prepared by the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) under the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), highlights a disturbing rise in scams executed through popular matrimonial sites, including Shaadi.com, Jeevansathi.com and Matrimony.com, as well as dating apps like Tinder and Bumble.

According to the warning, scammers are creating polished, persuasive profiles using stolen or morphed photographs and fabricated personal details. Many portray themselves as NRIs, defence personnel or employees of reputed organisations to quickly gain credibility and trust.

Investigators said fraudsters are deliberately filtering and targeting financially stable individuals based on age, income and profession. Once contact is established, they maintain regular communication through calls, chats and even WhatsApp video calls to build emotional closeness.

Some scammers even use digitally altered backgrounds during video calls to reinforce their fake identities. After weeks or months of grooming, they steer victims toward fraudulent investment schemes—most commonly involving cryptocurrency or online trading—or exploit them through emotional distress narratives and fake emergencies, leading to substantial financial losses.

The MHA has advised citizens to conduct thorough verification of online profiles, perform reverse image searches and exercise caution when someone pushes for rapid emotional bonding or shares overly perfect personal information. Users have been cautioned against sharing personal or banking details with individuals they have not met in person.

Stressing that guaranteed or unusually high investment returns are a major warning sign, the advisory urges citizens to report any suspicious activity on matrimony or dating platforms through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.