Bengaluru: A 59-year-old schoolteacher in east Bengaluru has alleged that she lost Rs 2.3 crore to a man who befriended her on a matrimonial website and deceived her with promises of marriage. The woman, widowed and living separately from her son, said she made multiple payments to the fraudster between January 2020 and November 2024.
How the fraud unfolded
According to her police complaint filed on October 3, 2019, the woman created an account on a matrimonial website seeking companionship. In December of that year, she was contacted by a man using the profile name Aahan Kumar. He claimed to be an Indian-born US citizen living in Atlanta with a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, and said he worked as a drilling engineer for an Israel-based oil company deployed in the Black Sea.
The woman said that Aahan provided a photograph of his company ID card (without his image) and quickly gained her trust. Within days, they developed a close bond, with Aahan addressing her as his wife and promising to visit India soon to marry her.
Repeated financial demands
In January 2020, the alleged fraudster claimed he needed financial assistance as he did not have enough funds for food. He asked the woman to transfer money to an account under the name of a woman named Madhavi. Trusting him, she obliged. Aahan continued to request money citing emergencies, including repairs for drilling machines damaged in storms, payments to officials, and medical treatment.
“All the money I paid was based on trust. He repeatedly promised to return it once his contract payments were settled,” the woman told police. She made several transfers over the years, totalling Rs 2.3 crore across two bank accounts.
Suspicion and complaint
By November 2024, when Aahan asked for an additional Rs 3.5 lakh, the woman refused, having exhausted her savings and borrowed money from others. After he began avoiding her, she waited nearly a year before filing a police complaint.
Legal action
Police have registered a case under the Information Technology Act. Senior officers confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the fraudster and recover the defrauded amount. The complainant’s case highlights the growing risk of online matrimonial scams and the importance of caution when sharing personal and financial information.
Conclusion
Authorities have urged individuals to exercise vigilance while interacting with strangers on online platforms, especially those promising romance or financial dealings. The case serves as a reminder that scams can be elaborate and emotionally manipulative, often targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship.