A 43-year-old woman residing in Yerawada, Pune, has been cheated out of a staggering sum of Rs 26.5 lakh in a sophisticated matrimonial fraud that unfolded over several months last year. The Yerawada police have now registered a case after the victim filed an online complaint and preliminary investigations were conducted.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraud
The woman had registered her profile on a popular matrimonial website. In June last year, an unknown man contacted her, sharing his bio-data and initiating conversations. Within a few days, he proposed marriage, and the woman accepted his proposal.
Following this, their communication became regular. The accused cleverly built a narrative around securing their future together. He convinced the woman that they needed financial security for themselves and their future child. As part of this plan, he proposed investing in a land parcel located in Panvel, Raigad district.
How the Money Was Extracted
The fraudster introduced the woman to two individuals, whom he claimed were his relatives. He assured her that these relatives would manage their land investment. Under this pretext of joint investment for their married life, he began asking for money.
Trusting his words, the victim started transferring funds. Between June and September 2023, she sent a total of Rs 26.5 lakh to various bank accounts and UPI IDs provided by the accused.
The Vanishing Act and Police Action
After siphoning off the substantial amount, the accused abruptly ceased all communication. He stopped responding to her calls and messages, leaving the woman in financial and emotional distress. Realising she had been duped, she filed an online complaint with the police.
After verifying the details, the Yerawada police officially registered the case on Saturday. A police officer involved stated, "Our investigations are on", confirming that they are actively pursuing the matter to identify and apprehend the fraudster.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online relationships and financial dealings with strangers. It highlights the need for extreme caution, especially on platforms where emotional vulnerability can be exploited for financial gain.
