A man held for duping users on a matrimonial site by creating a fake account has been arrested in Odisha. The accused, identified as Nrusingha Biswal, allegedly tricked a person into giving him over Rs 3 lakh by impersonating a woman on a matrimonial site. The police revealed that cyber criminals are increasingly creating fake accounts on such platforms, especially posing as women looking for matches, and then targeting unsuspecting victims seeking to find a suitable partner.
The victim came across a profile named Dipa Pradhan on the matrimonial site and started chatting with her on WhatsApp in May 2023. Gradually, Dipa began asking for money under various pretexts, including financial problems in her family and her father’s illness. The victim, out of goodwill, transferred money to her through different means, such as Google Pay. However, whenever the victim attempted voice or video calls, Dipa would dodge him with various excuses. Suspecting fraud, the victim eventually contacted the police.
Upon investigation, the police discovered that the account of Dipa Pradhan on the matrimonial site was being operated by a male individual who had created the account using his wife’s name. The accused, Biswal, is a class 9 dropout. He assumed the identity of a woman in need, claiming that Dipa’s father was a cancer patient and her bank account had been blocked. To further his deception, he even sent a picture of a man claiming to be Dipa’s father, as well as an image of an injured woman’s leg, purporting to be Dipa’s fracture.
During the arrest, the police seized cash amounting to Rs 1.61 lakh, multiple ATM cards, and mobile phones from Biswal’s possession. DCP Singh stated that the police are now seeking information from various matrimonial sites to determine the number of victims ensnared by the accused through these fraudulent identities.
It is important for users of matrimonial sites to exercise caution and remain vigilant against potential scams. The police advised users to verify the identity of individuals they interact with online and to refrain from disclosing sensitive personal or financial information. Authorities also encouraged victims of such fraud to promptly report incidents to aid in the investigation process.
This case highlights the necessity of stringent measures on online platforms to prevent the proliferation of fake accounts and protect users from falling prey to fraudulent activities. Online safety and security remain paramount in an era where virtual interactions are increasingly prevalent.
