Jaipur: Fraudsters found a new hunting ground on matrimonial and dating platforms, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to lure unsuspecting users into bogus investment schemes, Rajasthan Police’s Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit warned after detecting a sharp rise in such cases.Police said cyber criminals are misusing matrimonial websites such as Jeevansathi.com and Shaadi.com, along with dating apps including Tinder, Bumble and Cupid, to emotionally trap victims before siphoning off their savings in the name of high-return investments.Deputy inspector General (cyber crime) Vikas Sharma said analysis revealed a clear pattern in the frauds. “The fraudsters create convincing fake profiles using stolen photographs and fabricated personal details, often projecting themselves as well-paid professionals or NRIs,” he said.According to police, once contact is established, the scammers invest weeks building trust through WhatsApp chats and video calls, sometimes using fake office or overseas backdrops. “After emotionally binding the victim, they push them towards cryptocurrency or other ‘exclusive’ investment opportunities, promising quick and unrealistic returns,” Sharma said.Police said victims are gradually coerced into transferring money, often through multiple transactions, until contact is abruptly cut off once the funds are drained.Issuing a public advisory, Rajasthan Police urged users not to trust online profiles at face value and to verify photographs through reverse image searches. Citizens were warned against sharing personal photographs, bank details or financial information with online acquaintances they did not meet in person.Police cautioned that promises of unusually high returns in a short time are a clear red flag. Citizens were also advised to carefully read fraud alerts issued by banks and financial institutions.Victims of cyber fraud were urged to immediately contact the national cyber helpline number 1930 or lodge a complaint on the cyber crime reporting portal. Rajasthan Police also shared dedicated helpline numbers 9256001930 and 9257510100 for prompt assistance through its cyber helpdesk.
