Modus operandi
With the minimal KYC/verification procedures in place to register on online matrimonial websites, the fraudster usually follows the following modus operandi:
- The fraudster, initially creates a fake profile with attractive descriptions. In most of the cases, the person poses to be settled or working abroad, thus making actual meetings difficult.
- Later they look for gullible profiles to fall into their trick. In most cases the targets are widows or divorced while some are elderly women looking for life partners. Also, they look for targets who are economically sound.
- Later, phone numbers, email addresses are shared to increase personal communication and gain trust. Once the communication is established the fraudsters delete the profiles on the online matrimonial website and only communicate through phones, emails, or phone messengers.
- After gaining trust, money is demanded on various pretexts like customs clearance of costly gifts or as conversion charges for foreign currency, government clearance for diamonds, gold, or inherited wealth. All this money is asked as an online transfer and the person never meets the victim.
- Once they receive the money they never respond to the victim and makes it difficult to trace.