A 30-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru was defrauded of Rs 2.6 lakh by a scammer posing as a UK-based neurosurgeon, whom she met on a matrimonial platform.
In her complaint to the Central CEN Crime police, the woman, referred to as Manasa (name changed), shared that she had created her profile on the matrimonial website in December 2024, in search of a potential match. She was attracted to the profile of a person named Dr. Sujeet Kumar and sent him an interest request on January 6. Two days later, she received a response.
The man, who communicated with her through phone, claimed to be a neurosurgeon in the UK and said he would be visiting India to meet her and her family regarding a marriage proposal. Manasa mentioned that he spoke fluent English but broken Hindi and even offered her gifts such as a house and a car, which she declined.
On January 24, Sujeet informed Manasa that he would arrive in Delhi in two days and sent her his flight ticket and photo. However, when she insisted on having a video call before proceeding with the proposal, he refused, claiming he was stationed at an “army camp” where video calls were prohibited. He also mentioned that he had brought a diamond ring for her.
On January 27, Manasa received a call from someone identifying herself as a “customs officer” at Delhi airport. The woman claimed that Sujeet was at the airport with £50,000 (around Rs 53 lakh) and had been stopped by customs for carrying more money than allowed. She informed Manasa that in order to release the UK currency, a customs charge of Rs 38,500 was required. The so-called officer further stated that Sujeet had given her name as a reference, mentioning that he only knew her in India.
Manasa was then connected with Sujeet, who was allegedly in distress, pleading for her help. Believing the situation was real, Manasa transferred the requested amount through a digital payment app. Over the next few days, they cited additional reasons for needing more money, prompting her to send a total of Rs 2.6 lakh to various bank accounts.
On the following day, they demanded Rs 98,000 more, but Manasa said she didn’t have any more money. The “customs officer” then threatened that Sujeet would be deported to the UK and his money would be seized.
Later, Manasa received a call from a bank regarding one of the accounts where she had transferred money. The bank informed her that the account had been receiving large sums from multiple people and asked why she had transferred Rs 1.4 lakh to it. Realizing she had been scammed, she immediately called the 1930 helpline and reported the matter to the police.
A senior officer confirmed that a case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (cheating).