📰 Overview
In a shocking and deeply concerning case of online romance fraud, a woman from Pune was allegedly cheated out of an enormous ₹3.16 crore by a scammer who posed as a fake foreign CEO on the popular matrimonial website Shaadi.com. The scam reportedly began in January 2025, when the victim first connected with the fraudster through the platform. Over the subsequent months, the fraudster, masquerading as a high-profile executive based in the UK, spent time carefully cultivating trust by engaging in frequent communication, building what appeared to be a meaningful emotional and financial relationship with the victim before executing the elaborate scam.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Cyber Police have launched a full-scale investigation after the victim filed an official complaint. This incident now stands as one of the most high-profile and financially damaging cyber romance scams to hit the Pune region in recent memory.
🎭 The Modus Operandi
The scam began innocently when the 36-year-old victim, a single working professional from Pune, matched with the alleged CEO on Shaadi.com. The scammer portrayed himself as a successful and well-educated businessman working for a prestigious multinational corporation in London. Over the next few months, their online interactions grew into a long-distance relationship involving texts, emails, and video calls—many of which are now suspected to have been pre-recorded or deepfaked to maintain the illusion.
Soon, the scammer professed his desire to settle down and marry the victim, further strengthening her trust. He claimed to be sending a lavish package to India that included expensive luxury gifts, designer items, jewellery, and foreign currency, as a sign of his commitment and affection.
A few days later, the victim began receiving calls from individuals pretending to be Indian customs officials and courier company representatives. These callers claimed the package was stuck due to customs clearance issues, illegal possession of foreign currency, and missing legal paperwork. To add credibility to the story, the scammer had earlier shared forged shipping receipts and even screenshots of the package allegedly in transit. The victim, anxious and emotionally entangled, believed these fabricated documents and the urgent tone of the calls. She complied with the escalating demands and transferred money multiple times under various pretexts—ranging from clearance fees to penalties, courier handling charges, and customs taxes.
In total, she transferred over ₹3.16 crore to several bank accounts, believing it was required to receive the package and ensure the safety of her prospective partner.
🕵️ Police Action
Once the woman realized she had fallen victim to a sophisticated con, she approached the Pimpri Chinchwad Cyber Cell, which promptly registered a case and launched an intensive investigation. Initial findings have traced the money to several domestic and international bank accounts. The cyber team suspects the involvement of a well-organized international cybercrime syndicate, possibly with links to Nigeria or Southeast Asia.
The case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those dealing with cheating, impersonation, and criminal conspiracy, as well as applicable provisions under the Information Technology Act. Investigators are now collaborating with financial institutions, telecom providers, and international cybercrime agencies to trace the funds and track the perpetrators.
📈 Rise of Online Romance Scams
This case is part of a disturbing trend in India, where online romance scams—especially on matrimonial and dating platforms—are becoming increasingly common. Fraudsters often target emotionally vulnerable individuals and use fake identities, elaborate stories, and social engineering techniques to gain trust before demanding money.
The police are urging online users to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols when interacting with strangers, even on seemingly trustworthy platforms like Shaadi.com.
💡 Awareness and Safety Tips
To help prevent such incidents, the Cyber Cell has released key safety tips:
- Verify identity independently: Use reverse image search or cross-check social media presence.
- Be cautious of lavish promises: Scammers often claim wealth or high status to gain trust quickly.
- Never send money to online acquaintances: Even if they provide compelling reasons or emotional pressure.
- Report suspicious behavior immediately: Use cybercrime.gov.in or contact your local police.
- Do not share sensitive information: Including financial details, ID proofs, or address.
- Be wary of urgent demands: Especially if they involve legal, customs, or courier issues.
📣 Authorities Speak
An official from the Pimpri Chinchwad Cyber Police commented, “We are witnessing a rise in emotionally manipulative scams where victims are coerced into sending money based on fabricated romantic stories. People must understand that even the most trustworthy-looking online profiles can be fake.”
He added that banks, internet platforms, and users must work together to build stronger awareness campaigns and preventive mechanisms.
🔚 Conclusion
This alarming incident serves as a powerful reminder that love and trust must be tempered with caution—especially in the digital age. The illusion of intimacy created by scammers can be emotionally convincing but financially devastating.
For citizens using matrimonial and dating platforms, it is critical to perform due diligence, stay alert to red flags, and avoid emotional decisions involving money. Authorities hope this case will serve as a turning point for increased awareness and tighter regulations across online platforms.
Pune residents and internet users nationwide are encouraged to report suspicious profiles, stay informed about evolving cybercrime tactics, and always trust their instincts. For ongoing updates and cyber safety resources, visit cybercrime.gov.in or follow updates on puneripages.in.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the latest cyber fraud case in Pune?
A woman was defrauded of ₹3.16 crore by a scammer posing as a UK-based CEO on Shaadi.com.
2. How did the scam unfold?
The scammer claimed to send luxury gifts and coerced the victim to pay fake customs and clearance charges.
3. Who is investigating the case?
The Pimpri Chinchwad Cyber Police are handling the case.
4. Has the fraudster been arrested?
Not yet. Investigations are ongoing, and international leads are being pursued.
5. What legal action has been taken?
IPC sections for cheating, impersonation, and IT Act violations have been invoked.
6. Are online romance scams common in India?
Yes, especially on dating and matrimonial platforms, where fraudsters exploit emotional vulnerability.
7. What can users do to stay safe on Shaadi.com?
Always verify identity, avoid financial involvement, and report suspicious activity.
8. Can deepfake technology be used in scams?
Yes, some fraudsters use deepfakes or pre-recorded videos to trick victims.
9. How can I verify if a profile is genuine?
Use reverse image search, cross-check professional details, and look for inconsistencies.
10. Where should victims report online fraud?
At cybercrime.gov.in or the local cyber police station.
11. Is the victim receiving any legal or financial support?
She is receiving police assistance, and recovery efforts are in progress.
12. What role does Shaadi.com play in user safety?
The platform has basic security features, but users must remain vigilant.
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