Pune Man, 85, Loses Rs.11.45 Lakh in Marriage Scam After Responding to Matrimonial Ad
Pune Man, 85, Loses Rs.11.45 Lakh in Marriage Scam After Responding to Matrimonial Ad
Pune, June 22, 2025: In a shocking case of online fraud, an 85-year-old man from Pune fell victim to a marriage scam and lost over ₹11.45 lakh after responding to a matrimonial advertisement. The incident sheds light on how loneliness and emotional vulnerability are increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals.
Desire to Marry Turns into Costly Mistake
According to police reports, the senior citizen, feeling lonely and seeking companionship, came across a matrimonial ad in a local newspaper. Driven by the desire to remarry, he contacted the number provided in the advertisement — unknowingly stepping into a well-planned trap.
Soon after initiating contact, the man was asked to pay a “registration fee” and was provided with a bank account number. Trusting the process, he transferred the amount. He was then introduced to a woman who claimed she was interested in marrying him.
Woman Gained Trust, Then Demanded Money
The woman began regular communication with the elderly man. Over time, she earned his trust and eventually began requesting financial assistance. Believing her intentions to be genuine, the man transferred money to multiple bank accounts between April 18 and June 1, totaling ₹11,45,350.
Each time the man brought up marriage, the woman deflected or delayed the topic. Realizing something was wrong, he finally approached the Bibwewadi Police Station to file a complaint.
Police Register FIR Under IPC and IT Act
Following the complaint, Pune Police registered an FIR under Sections 419(2), 420(4) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Initial investigations confirmed that the victim had been trapped in a fraudulent scheme and manipulated into transferring large sums of money.
Authorities have now launched a search for the culprits behind the scam. Police also issued a public advisory, urging citizens — especially senior individuals — to exercise caution when engaging with unknown contacts online or via matrimonial platforms.
Cybercrime Targeting Seniors on the Rise
This incident highlights a disturbing trend where elderly individuals are being targeted with emotional bait, such as promises of companionship or marriage, only to be defrauded later. Experts emphasize the importance of digital awareness and verification before making any financial transactions online.
