A 30-year-old resident of Chandrayangutta was allegedly duped of ₹27.5 lakh in a matrimony-based cryptocurrency investment scam, after being lured by a woman who posed as a prospective bride.
According to police, the victim came in contact with the woman through a matrimonial website. Claiming to be from London and originally from Chennai, she gradually gained his trust by promising marriage. Once a rapport was established, she persuaded him to invest in Bitcoin trading through what turned out to be a fraudulent online platform.
The man invested ₹27,50,000 by using his savings, loans, and by borrowing money from from friends. On the platform, his account displayed a balance around ₹1.34 crore. However, when he attempted to withdraw, the fraudsters demanded a further 10% as ‘tax payment’, approximately ₹13.47 lakh, a tell-tale sign of the scam. Realising he had been duped, the victim immediately reported the fraud online.
A case was booked by the cybercrime wing of the Hyderabad police and an investigation was initiated.
Police have issued an advisory warning the public about the growing use of matrimonial sites and social media by fraudsters to lure victims with false promises of marriage and quick profits through cryptocurrency or trading apps. Officials stressed that people should never trust strangers offering investment opportunities, particularly through unverified platforms.
Citizens are being urged to avoid investment in unregulated cryptocurrency apps and to use only channels recognised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Police have also cautioned against transferring money to unknown persons or relying on assurances of high returns without verifying the authenticity of websites, apps, and contacts.
Victims of cyber fraud are advised to immediately report incidents on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or dial 1930. For emergency assistance in Hyderabad, cyber fraud complaints can also be lodged through WhatsApp on 8712665171.
Published – September 07, 2025 06:59 pm IST