Hyderabad: How middle-aged woman lost Rs 3.38L after man posing as UK doc proposed to marry her online

Hyderabad: A 47-year-old woman residing in Vinay Nagar Colony, Saidabad, has become the latest victim of an elaborate online marriage proposal scam, losing Rs 3,38,200 to a fraudster impersonating a UK-based doctor.

The victim was contacted by a man identifying himself as Hirad Ahmed, who initiated a fake UK-based marriage proposal. Through continuous communication via WhatsApp calls, messages, and video chats, Ahmed meticulously built trust, claiming to be a medical professional in the United Kingdom.

The Modus Operandi

After gaining her confidence, Hirad Ahmed manipulated her financially:

Opening New Accounts: She was persuaded to open two new bank accounts and procure two new SIM cards.

Surrendering Assets:

Crucially, she was instructed to send the passbooks and ATM cards for these new accounts to a fake address—purportedly a 'UK Affairs Office' in New Delhi. This gave the fraudsters complete control over the newly created financial instruments.

Following this, the associates of Ahmed sent fake visa and marriage documents.

They began a relentless series of demands for money under various false pretexts, coercing the victim into transferring funds repeatedly.

Demand for endless fees

Believing the elaborate false narrative, the woman transferred a total of ₹3,38,200 to the scammers for fabricated charges, including:

Visa fees and late charges

Luggage and flight-related problems

Hotel stay expenses

Medical emergencies

The scammers suddenly cut off communication, and the victim began receiving suspicious calls from various unknown numbers. It was only then that she realized she had been cheated and immediately sought action.

Romance Scams

This case highlights a rapidly growing form of cybercrime known as the Online Marriage Scam, also called the Romance Scam. These frauds typically involve:

Impersonation:

Fraudsters pose as attractive, successful, or high-status individuals (often doctors, engineers, military personnel, or people working on oil rigs) from Western countries (UK, US, Canada, etc.).

Gaining Trust:

They use emotional manipulation, regular communication, and future-gazing to build a deep, seemingly genuine relationship over weeks or months, ensuring the victim is emotionally invested.

The 'Crisis' Phase:

Once trust is established, a fabricated crisis occurs (e.g., a sudden business loss, medical emergency, or, as in this case, "paperwork" for meeting/marriage) that requires urgent financial assistance.

Impersonating Officials:

In a variation like the Saidabad case, the scam includes document fraud, where associates impersonate government, embassy, customs, or airport officials to demand fees for "releasing" a package, visa, or the promised foreign partner.

Public Advisory:

Protect Yourself from Cyber Fraud

Cyber Police have issued a strong advisory to the public to prevent falling prey to such frauds:

Be Skeptical of Online Proposals: Do not trust marriage proposals received solely through social media, WhatsApp, or unfamiliar online platforms.

Guard Your Details: Never share bank details, passbooks, ATM cards, SIM cards, or personal documents with anyone you have only met online.

Verify Identities: Always verify identities through official embassy or government websites before responding to claims made by supposed foreign officials.

Resist Pressure: Do not transfer money based on emotional pressure, fake emergencies, or promises of marriage or property.

Stop and Block: If you receive suspicious calls or messages, stop communication immediately and block the numbers.

Immediate Action

If you have been a victim of cyber fraud, report it immediately:

Helpline: Call 1930

Online: Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in

Emergency Contact: For additional support, you may call or WhatsApp 8712665171.