Greater Noida police have arrested Rahul Chaturvedi, a graduate from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), for allegedly defrauding over 20 women through matrimonial apps. Chaturvedi, who posed as a regional manager of a well-known company, used these sites to target women from financially stable backgrounds, promising marriage and earning their trust with fake credentials.

According to Shakti Avasthi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Noida, Chaturvedi created premium accounts on several matrimonial websites to appear credible and trustworthy. His strategy was to make his profile look professional and reliable, which made it easier for him to gain the trust of women and their families. He would show fake salary slips and present himself as a suitable match, even speaking to the women's families to strengthen his act.

Chaturvedi didn’t stop at deceiving the women; he would impersonate his own father to further convince the families of his authenticity. By changing his voice during phone conversations, he made it seem as though his family was also involved, making the victims and their families feel comfortable about the proposed marriage.

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The police arrested Chaturvedi in Greater Noida’s Bisrakh area after receiving multiple complaints from women who realized they had been defrauded. Authorities are now thoroughly investigating his activities to uncover other possible victims. The police are also examining Chaturvedi's communication with these women, including how he used fake documents and premium accounts on matrimonial sites to appear genuine.

Police issue a warning about the rise in marriage fraud.

This incident follows a growing trend of matrimonial frauds in India. Last week, Delhi Police arrested another man accused of duping over 50 women across several states through matrimonial websites. Like Chaturvedi, this man also posed as a government official, specifically targeting unmarried, widowed, or divorced women.

He would convince his victims to buy him expensive gifts, which he would later sell for cash. In many cases, he even made women pay for his flight tickets to different cities, which he used to maintain the illusion of his high-status job.

The police have issued warnings urging people to exercise caution when using matrimonial websites. Fraudsters are increasingly using these platforms to target vulnerable individuals by creating fake profiles that appear legitimate. The use of premium accounts, fake documents, and false promises are common tactics used by these criminals.

Authorities advise users to thoroughly verify the identity of potential suitors, avoid sharing personal or financial information too soon, and report any suspicious behavior to the police. Families are also encouraged to be vigilant and perform background checks before committing to any proposals arranged online.

In Chaturvedi’s case, police are continuing their investigations to identify more victims and gather further evidence. This case highlights the need for stronger safeguards on matrimonial websites to prevent fraudsters from exploiting unsuspecting individuals and families.

How can you stay safe from matrimonial frauds?

Matrimonial fraud is becoming a widespread issue, especially with the increased use of online platforms for matchmaking. The recent arrests in Greater Noida and Delhi show that even well-educated individuals, like Chaturvedi, can engage in such scams. Law enforcement agencies are working to tackle this growing problem, but people need to remain alert and cautious while using these platforms to find life partners.

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