Bengaluru: A 34-year-old software engineer from the city was cheated of ₹6.43 lakh after she matched with a man posing as an NRI doctor on a matrimony platform. What began as casual conversations soon escalated into financial fraud as the scammer manipulated her with a series of elaborate lies involving overseas travel, medical career claims and fake airport procedures.

Match on matrimony app turns into scam

According to the FIR filed on 19 November, the victim, Priya Biswas, came in contact with the accused on 24 October through a matrimony app. The man introduced himself as Vikram Sisode, claiming to be an orthopaedic doctor working in the Netherlands. Within days, he shifted conversations to Telegram and phone calls, building trust and sharing fabricated stories about his professional plans.

He told her he intended to relocate to India to establish a clinic in Bengaluru, and that he had secured an interview at a private hospital in Whitefield. Investigators said this is a common tactic used by online fraudsters to create emotional connection and future expectations.

First request for money

On 6 November, the accused allegedly asked Priya for ₹25,000, citing urgent personal expenses and promising repayment when he arrived in India. Believing him, she transferred the amount via IMPS.

A week later, on 13 November, he told her that he had sent money to an agent in Dubai for hotel arrangements ahead of his supposed visit. Police said the story was a part of his systematic attempt to gain her continued confidence.

Fake airport procedure trap

The scam escalated on 15 November, when Priya received a message from him claiming that he had landed at Delhi Airport. He said he was carrying a large demand draft in Euros and needed money to complete certain clearance procedures.

Soon after, she received a call from a woman identifying herself as Anitarajan, allegedly an airport staffer. She informed the victim that several payments were required, including:

  • Demand Draft Declaration Fee
  • Registration Fee
  • Insurance Fee

As instructed, the victim made multiple transfers through IMPS and PhonePe, sending money to the accounts provided. In total, she transferred ₹6.43 lakh, unaware that she was interacting with a fraud network.

Realisation and police action

When she stopped receiving responses from the accused and the phone numbers became unreachable, Priya realised she had been conned. She approached the police, and a case has been registered under cheating and cyber fraud sections.

Police said the numbers used were likely internet-based calling services and that the accounts receiving the money may have been mule accounts operated by organised cybercriminal groups. Efforts are underway to trace the money trail and identify those involved.

Matrimony app scams on the rise

Cybercrime officers noted that such scams have sharply increased in Bengaluru, with many fraudsters posing as NRIs, doctors, defence officers or offshore workers to gain trust. Victims are emotionally manipulated and conned with stories involving airport detentions, customs fees, medical emergencies or travel-related issues.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid transferring money to individuals known only through online platforms and to verify identities before engaging in financial communication. Matrimony platforms are also being urged to strengthen user verification policies.

Conclusion

The case highlights a growing pattern of digital exploitation where emotional vulnerabilities are preyed upon using convincing narratives. Police have urged the public to remain cautious and report suspicious behaviour immediately.