Cybercriminals Targeting Indian Women With Marriage Scam: Experts Warn of Rapidly Rising Cases

A new wave of cyber fraud is spreading rapidly across India, with online scammers specifically targeting women by posing as foreign professionals and luring them with the promise of marriage and expensive gifts. The latest case has emerged from Uttar Pradesh, where a young woman fell victim to this elaborate trap.

A New Form of Online Fraud on the Rise

According to cybercrime experts, fraudsters are now using social media platforms to befriend women, send them seemingly luxurious gifts, and then blackmail them for money. These scams have increased sharply over the past few months, affecting women and young girls across the country.

Cyber expert Ajay Singh warns that thousands to lakhs of rupees are being siphoned off through this technique, and multiple new cases are being reported every day.

The UP Case: A Stranger’s Message Turns Into a Nightmare

As reported by The Indian Express, the victim — identified as “Naina” (name changed) — received a message on Instagram from an unknown user during Chhath Puja this year. The man introduced himself as Dr. Khan, a Pakistani-origin doctor living in London after completing his MBBS in China. His profile looked genuine and well-crafted.

At first, she ignored the message, but the man continued contacting her. After chatting for three days, the conversation shifted to WhatsApp. Dr. Khan insisted on video calls but never showed his face, citing network issues.

Within five days, he proposed marriage. Naina refused, wanting only friendship. That’s when the scam began.

Fake Gifts, Fake Airport Officials, Real Extortion

Dr. Khan sent videos of expensive items he claimed to be gifting her — an iPhone, gold jewellery, and costly sarees. Even though she refused and declined to share her address, he claimed to have already shipped the parcel.

The next morning, she received a call from someone claiming to be an official at Mumbai Airport, demanding ₹4,000 as a “custom clearance fee.” When she refused, she was threatened with a CBI investigation. Frightened, she borrowed money from friends and paid.

The next day, another ₹12,000 was demanded. When she said she had no money, Dr. Khan turned aggressive, threatening to leak secretly recorded video calls — even though none had actually happened.

Terrified, Naina went to a jewellery shop to sell her gold earrings to arrange the money. Fortunately, her bank called the shop and warned that the transaction was suspicious, saving her from further loss.

Later, even a fake “CBI officer” called her. But this time she responded firmly: “Come. I’m standing outside my house.” She then blocked all the numbers.

Naina never told her family and did not file a police complaint due to fear of social stigma.

How The Scam Works: Explained by Cyber Experts

Cyber expert Ajay Singh explains the typical pattern of this fraud:

• Scammers send friend requests on Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat.
• They chat for a few days to gain trust.
• They claim to send expensive gifts from abroad.
• Fake parcel photos and tracking IDs are shared.
• A scammer pretending to be an airport or customs officer calls, demanding money.
• If refused, the victim is threatened with “CBI action” or with leaking videos.
• Payment is taken via UPI links, after which the scammers disappear.

How to Stay Safe: Expert Advice

Ajay Singh shares essential safety tips for women:

• Avoid chatting with unknown profiles — most are fake.
• Never trust anyone who quickly offers costly gifts or marriage.
• Customs or courier services NEVER call individuals for payments.
• Never share personal details like address, Aadhaar, photos, or videos.
• Do not make payments through random UPI links.
• If threatened, understand it’s a scam — do not panic.
• Inform a family member immediately and file a police complaint.
• Report suspicious numbers at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

As more women fall victim to these emotional manipulation scams, experts urge the public to stay alert and report suspicious interactions before financial or personal harm occurs.