Scams & Fraud · URGENCY: HIGH
Matrimonial or Romance (Dating) Scam
Someone met on a dating or matrimonial app builds a fast, intense relationship, then invents an emergency, a “gift parcel stuck at customs”, or a can’t-miss investment to extract money. Stop sending money, preserve everything, and report on cybercrime.gov.in — call 1930 if you have paid. You are the target of an organised scam, not a failed romance.
Romance and matrimonial scammers invest weeks in trust before the first money request. The ask is always urgent and emotional — a medical crisis, a customs fee to release a gift, or a “guaranteed” investment they’ll help you with. Recognising the pattern is what stops the losses.
What to do now
- Stop all payments — do not pay any “customs”, “clearance”, medical or investment amount.
- Preserve the profile, chats, photos and every payment reference.
- Report on cybercrime.gov.in; if you have paid, call 1930.
What to do now
- 01
Stop paying and step back
End further transfers. Scammers rely on emotional pressure and urgency — pausing to verify is not disloyal, it’s sensible.
- 02
Verify independently
Reverse-image-search their photos, and be sceptical of anyone who won’t video-call, is “abroad / on a rig / posted at the border”, or needs money before you’ve met.
- 03
Preserve evidence
Keep the profile link/username, the chat history, photos, phone numbers and all UPI/account/transaction details.
- 04
Report it
File on cybercrime.gov.in with the details; call 1930 if money was sent so a hold can be attempted.
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal - 05
Get support
Tell someone you trust. There is no shame in being targeted by a professional scam network — reporting helps stop them.
Documents to keep available
- The dating/matrimonial profile link and username
- Chat history and the person’s photos and phone numbers
- Any “customs/courier” messages or fake documents
- Transaction IDs / UTR and beneficiary account or UPI
Requirements may vary by case and authority.
What not to do
- Do not pay a “customs” or “clearance” fee to receive a gift.
- Do not invest on a partner’s or match’s tip or platform.
- Do not send more money to “recover” what you already sent.
- Do not delete the profile or chats before reporting.
Frequently asked questions
They want a customs fee to release a gift they sent me — is it real?
No. This is a standard romance-scam script; there is no gift. Do not pay any “customs”, “clearance” or “courier” fee, and report on cybercrime.gov.in.
We never met but it feels real — how do I check?
Insist on a live video call, reverse-image-search their photos, and treat any pre-meeting money request as a red flag. Genuine partners don’t need money from someone they’ve never met.
Official resources
When professional assistance may be appropriate
Where an issue significantly affects your legal position, banking access, livelihood or business, or involves a notice, investigation or multiple jurisdictions, consider advice from an appropriate qualified professional.
Relevant professional types: Cyber crime lawyer
Need help with this issue?Sources: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) · I4C / MHA cyber-safety advisories
Last reviewed: 30 August 2026. This independent guide is general information, not legal advice, and does not control official investigations or processes.