One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr. X registered on X.matrimonial platform seeking a life partner. He matched with someone claiming to be Ms. Y from City A. After initial conversations that seemed genuine, Ms. Y suddenly mentioned it was her birthday and insisted Mr. X order a cake for her as a romantic gesture. She provided specific bakery details and payment links. Trusting her intentions, Mr. X paid Rs. 15,000 online for an elaborate cake order. Immediately after payment confirmation, Ms. Y stopped responding to messages, blocked him on the platform, and her profile disappeared. Mr. X realized he had been duped in a sophisticated online fraud scheme targeting matrimonial site users.

Advice in Such Cases

Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation to come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

• Document all communication evidence immediately including screenshots, payment receipts, and profile details
• Report the incident to cyber crime cell within 24-48 hours for better investigation prospects
• Contact your bank to dispute the fraudulent transaction and explore chargeback options
• File complaint with matrimonial platform to prevent similar frauds targeting other users

Applicable Sections of Law

This type of online matrimonial fraud attracts multiple legal provisions under BNS and Information Technology Act. Section 318 of BNS deals with cheating by dishonest inducement to deliver property. Section 316 covers criminal breach of trust when someone fraudulently uses entrusted information. Section 319 addresses cheating by personation using false identity. Additionally, Section 66D of IT Act specifically covers punishment for cheating by personation using computer resources, while Section 66C deals with identity theft in cyber space.

If You Are the Complainant

• File FIR at local cyber crime police station with all documentary evidence and transaction details
• Submit complaint on National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) with complete case details
• Gather comprehensive evidence including chat histories, profile screenshots, payment confirmations, and bank statements
• Contact the matrimonial platform’s fraud department to report the fake profile and request cooperation
• Maintain detailed timeline of events from first contact to final fraud occurrence for investigation

If You Are the Victim

• Immediately preserve all digital evidence before the fraudster deletes their traces from online platforms
• Contact your bank’s fraud department to report unauthorized transaction and explore recovery options
• File detailed complaint with cyber crime cell providing victim impact statement and financial loss details
• Seek legal counsel to understand civil remedies for monetary recovery through appropriate court proceedings
• Report to matrimonial site administrators to prevent profile reactivation and protect other potential victims

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Cyber crime police generally treat matrimonial fraud cases seriously due to increasing complaints. They typically register FIR under BNS cheating sections and IT Act provisions. Investigation involves tracing digital footprints, banking transactions, and platform cooperation. Police often coordinate with matrimonial sites for user data and may issue notices to payment gateways. Response time varies by jurisdiction, with metropolitan cyber cells being more equipped and responsive than smaller stations.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can I recover my money? Recovery depends on quick reporting and investigation success. Banks may offer chargebacks for fraudulent transactions if reported promptly.

Will police take action on small amounts? Yes, cyber crime cells investigate regardless of amount as these frauds often target multiple victims simultaneously.

How long does investigation take? Typically 3-6 months depending on evidence quality and interstate coordination requirements.

Should I confront the fraudster? No, avoid direct confrontation as it may alert them to delete evidence or create additional legal complications.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Complete chat conversation screenshots from matrimonial platform showing fraudulent communication
• Bank transaction details, payment receipts, and online transfer confirmations
• Fraudster’s profile screenshots including photos, personal details, and contact information
• Platform registration details showing your legitimate account and matching history
• Any additional communication through phone, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms
• Witness statements if friends or family were informed about the incident
• Technical evidence like IP addresses, device information if available through platform cooperation

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Investigation timeline typically ranges from 3-8 months depending on case complexity and interstate coordination needs. Simple cases with clear evidence and cooperative platforms may conclude within 3-4 months. Complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions, international elements, or sophisticated fraud networks may extend to 6-8 months. Quick evidence submission and victim cooperation significantly accelerate investigation progress and improve chances of successful prosecution.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India