Matrimonial fraud usually follows a pattern: an attractive profile, quick emotional closeness, a story that can't be checked, and then a request for money or documents. Most of it can be avoided with a few calm checks — the same ones a careful family does anyway.
Identity
- Video call early. Before the third conversation. Someone who keeps avoiding video is a red flag.
- Reverse image search the photos. Use Google Lens or a similar tool on the profile pictures; stolen photos often appear elsewhere under other names.
- Check that the name, age and city match across the biodata, WhatsApp and any social profiles.
Work and education
- Look up the employer. Does the company exist, and does the role make sense for the person's age and education?
- Check a professional profile. Many working people have a LinkedIn or similar profile with history that matches what they say.
- Ask natural follow-ups. People who really work somewhere talk easily about their team, office and commute.
- For NRI profiles, ask about visa status and city directly, and verify on a video call. See the NRI biodata guide.
Family
- Speak to the parents, not only the person. A profile where the family is always "busy" or "abroad" deserves caution.
- Meet the family in person before any commitment, at their home if possible.
- Ask a common contact. Someone in the same city, community or workplace can often confirm basics quietly.
Money and documents
- Never send money — for "customs", "medical emergencies", "visa fees", gifts stuck at the airport, or anything else. This is the most common fraud pattern.
- Never share OTPs, bank details or ID scans early. A biodata doesn't need Aadhaar or PAN.
- Be careful with private photos and video calls. Never share anything you wouldn't want made public.
Behaviour
- Watch for urgency. Pressure to commit quickly, to keep things secret from family, or to move conversations off the platform immediately.
- Trust family instinct. If several people feel something is off, pause and verify more.
A quick verification table
| Claim | How to check |
|---|---|
| Identity | Video call; reverse image search |
| Job | Company website, professional profile, natural conversation |
| Education | College name and year; degree if needed later |
| Family | Talk to parents; meet in person |
| Marital history | Ask directly; check with common contacts |
| NRI status | Visa type and city on video; family in India to meet |
If something goes wrong
- Stop all payments and conversations.
- Save chats, numbers and transaction details.
- Report cyber fraud at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, cybercrime.gov.in, or call the helpline 1930.
- Report the profile to the matrimonial site and the WhatsApp group admin.
- Tell your family — fraudsters rely on secrecy.