COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON WHY REMAIN VIGILANT OF NEW CYBER CRIME CALLED “ROMANCE SCAM”
Hyderabad Widower Loses ₹86 Lakh in Matrimony App Crypto Scam
Fraudster posed as bride, lured victim into fake crypto trading
Police warn citizens against sharing identity documents online
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: March 07, 2026:
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Cybercrime in India is evolving rapidly, with fraudsters exploiting emotional vulnerabilities and digital platforms. In Hyderabad, a 42-year-old widower from Bowenpally was cheated of ₹86 lakh after being lured into a fake crypto trading scheme by a woman he met on a matrimony app. The case highlights the growing menace of online frauds that combine romance scams with cryptocurrency traps.
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Modus Operandi of the Scam
- Initial Contact: The victim joined a matrimony app in November 2025 seeking remarriage. A user named Preeti Chopra initiated contact.
- Trust Building: The fraudster shifted conversations to Telegram and WhatsApp, claiming to be a successful forex and bitcoin trader.
- Fake Proofs: She shared screenshots of large profits to build credibility.
- Investment Platform: Directed the victim to a fake crypto trading site, www.ebcinfx.com.
- First Success: The victim invested ₹25,000 in USDT and received a credited profit of ₹21,750 in his bank account, boosting confidence.
- Escalation: Over two months, he invested more, with his in-app balance showing USDT 234,667 (₹2.16 crore).
- Withdrawal Trap: Each time he tried to withdraw, the site demanded new payments—conversion fees, VIP upgrades, and levies.
- Final Loss: He transferred ₹86 lakh in total but was never allowed to withdraw.
Police Action
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- Complaint Filed: Victim approached Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police in March 2026.
- FIR Registered: Under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 319(2), and 338 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Sections 66C & 66D of the IT Act.
- Investigation: Authorities are tracing digital footprints, phone numbers, and bank accounts linked to the fraud.
Public Awareness: How to Stay Safe
- Verify Platforms: Always check if investment sites are registered and regulated.
- Avoid Sharing Documents: Never upload PAN, Aadhaar, or bank details on unverified sites.
- Beware of Romance Scams: Fraudsters often exploit emotional vulnerability to build trust.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Returns: Guaranteed high profits are a red flag.
- Report Immediately: Victims should call the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or file complaints at cybercrime.gov.in.
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Broader Implications
- Crypto Risks: Cryptocurrency remains a favourite tool for fraudsters due to anonymity and lack of regulation.
- Matrimony Apps: Increasingly misused by scammers posing as prospective partners.
- Legal Framework: Stronger enforcement under IT Act and BNSS is needed to deter such crimes.
Conclusion
The Hyderabad crypto scam shows how romance fraud and financial fraud are merging in the digital age. Citizens must remain vigilant, verify platforms, and avoid sharing sensitive information online. Law enforcement agencies are stepping up, but prevention through awareness remains the most effective shield.
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