Ahmedabad Woman Duped of ₹13.2 Lakh in Matrimonial Scam
Ahmedabad, January 28 – A 31-year-old woman from Ahmedabad was allegedly duped of ₹13.2 lakh by a fraudster posing as an NRI on a matrimonial website. The accused, who claimed to be a US-based businessman, manipulated the victim emotionally and financially under false pretenses. The Vejalpur police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
Online Flowers and Fake Identity to Win Trust
The victim, a resident of Juhapura Maktampura, lives with her parents and works remotely for a foreign company. In November 2024, while searching for a suitable match on a matrimonial website, she came across a profile of a man named Syed Rehan Rahman, who claimed to be living in the United States.
They began conversing on WhatsApp, and Rehan claimed to own a gold mine in South Africa. He even arranged a conversation between the woman and someone he introduced as his father. To further gain her trust, he sent an online flower bouquet to her on her birthday.
Series of Fraudulent Transactions
In December 2024, Rehan told the woman that he needed to transfer ₹5 lakh to an Indian client and requested her help. Trusting him, she transferred the money to the bank account he provided. When she later asked for the repayment, he falsely claimed that the bank had blocked the transaction and assured her that she would receive the amount soon.
A few days later, he mentioned that one of his consignments had been held up and needed funds for clearance. Using this excuse, he extracted an additional ₹8 lakh from the victim at different intervals, bringing the total amount to ₹13.2 lakh.
Disappearance and Police Investigation
After the victim had transferred the money, Rehan promised that his father would visit Chandigarh to meet her. However, after this promise, he stopped responding to her calls and messages. Realizing she had been scammed, the woman filed a complaint at the Vejalpur police station.
The police have launched an investigation into the case, tracking the bank transactions and communication records to identify and apprehend the accused.
Rise in Matrimonial Scams
This case highlights the increasing incidents of online fraud through matrimonial sites, where scammers exploit emotional and financial vulnerabilities. Police advise users to thoroughly verify profiles before engaging in financial transactions or personal commitments.
