Hyderabad Widower Loses 86 Lakh in Elaborate Crypto Scam via Matrimony App
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 42-year-old widower from Hyderabad has been cheated out of a staggering 86 lakh rupees. The scam involved a fraudster posing as a prospective life-partner on a matrimony application, who then enticed the victim into investing through a counterfeit cryptocurrency trading platform.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, a resident of Bowenpally, registered on a matrimony app in November 2025, seeking remarriage after the death of his wife. Shortly after, a user identifying herself as ‘Preeti Chopra’ expressed interest in his profile and initiated conversations on Telegram and WhatsApp.
Claiming to be a successful trader in forex and bitcoin, she shared screenshots displaying substantial returns, which built the victim's trust. She then persuaded him to create an account on the crypto trading website, www.ebcinfx.com.
The victim complied, uploading his PAN card, Aadhaar card, and bank details. He made an initial investment by purchasing USDT cryptocurrency worth 25,000 rupees. "My confidence grew when a profit of ₹21,750 was credited into my bank account after the initial investment," the victim recounted to the police.
Escalation of the Fraud
Over the following two months, the victim deposited additional funds, and his in-app balance ballooned to USDT 234,667, equivalent to approximately 2.16 crore rupees. However, whenever he attempted to withdraw any amount, the site administrators imposed a series of demands:
- A 12% conversion fee
- VIP upgrade charges
- Various other levies
"I had transferred 86 lakh in total, but they did not let me withdraw any amount," the victim lamented. Realizing he had been duped, he approached the Hyderabad Cyber Crime police on Monday to file a formal complaint.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have registered a case and launched a thorough investigation. The complaint has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including:
- Section 316(2) for punishment of criminal breach of trust
- Section 318(4) for cheating
- Section 319(2) for cheating by personation
- Section 338 for forgery of valuable security
- Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act
Authorities have issued a stern advisory to the public, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution online. Police emphasized that individuals should never share identity documents or send money to unverified investment links promoted by strangers. Victims of cyber fraud are encouraged to report incidents immediately through the national helpline at 1930.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of online scams, particularly those exploiting emotional vulnerabilities through platforms like matrimony apps. As digital interactions increase, vigilance and awareness are crucial to prevent such financial and personal losses.
