Published: January 11, 2026

New Delhi – In a startling revelation about the growing trend of matrimonial frauds in India, the Delhi Police have arrested a 31-year-old man from Punjab for allegedly cheating multiple women by posing as a prospective groom on matrimonial websites and social media platforms. The accused, identified as Dashmeet Singh, reportedly used the trust of unsuspecting women to swindle money and fund an extravagant lifestyle, police said on Sunday.

The case came to light after a woman from Shalimar Bagh in northwest Delhi approached the Cyber Police Station of Northwest Delhi with an online complaint. She alleged that Singh, pretending to be a serious suitor with intentions of marriage, had lured her into transferring over ₹86,000 to him under false pretenses. Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered on October 14, 2025, and a detailed investigation was launched to trace the accused.

Modus Operandi

According to police sources, Singh would create fictitious profiles on matrimonial websites and various social media platforms, carefully presenting himself as an eligible bachelor seeking marriage. His profiles often highlighted an affluent lifestyle, education, and employment details designed to win the confidence of women seeking life partners. Once trust was established, he would introduce fabricated emergencies or pretexts, prompting the women to transfer money to his accounts.

“The accused befriended women online, often engaging in weeks-long conversations to build trust. He then created fake narratives — such as financial difficulties, medical emergencies, or investment opportunities — to manipulate the victims into sending him money,” an officer said.

Investigators also found that Singh targeted women who were more trusting and actively seeking matrimonial alliances, making them more vulnerable to deception. The scams were meticulously planned, and Singh exploited the anonymity and reach of digital platforms to operate across state lines, complicating efforts to trace him.

Investigation and Capture

The Delhi Police’s cybercrime team, upon receiving the complaint, began scrutinizing digital footprints and tracing money trails linked to the transactions. They discovered that the defrauded amount had been received in a bank account held by Singh and subsequently transferred via UPI transactions, indicating a systematic method to obscure the funds’ origin.

Inputs obtained from matrimonial websites and social media platforms helped investigators confirm the suspect’s identity and track his location to Rajpura in Punjab’s Patiala district. Singh was apprehended on January 8, 2026, following coordinated efforts between the Delhi Police and local authorities in Punjab.

During the investigation, Singh revealed that he was motivated by financial difficulties at home, as well as a desire to sustain an extravagant lifestyle. Police sources confirmed that the money obtained through fraudulent means was spent primarily on purchasing expensive liquor and hosting parties, reflecting a deliberate pattern of misuse rather than necessity.

Singh frequently changed his locations to evade detection. Initially residing in Delhi’s Janakpuri area, he later shifted to Punjab, making it harder for authorities to trace his activities. A mobile phone used by him for communication and online activities was seized by investigators, providing further evidence of the scams.

Profile of the Accused

Dashmeet Singh, a graduate, was employed as a dispatch manager in a private company. Police sources revealed that, despite having a professional career, Singh resorted to online matrimonial frauds to supplement his income and fund personal indulgences. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether he is linked to other similar cases across Delhi, Punjab, or other states. Authorities suspect that he may have defrauded multiple women over an extended period using the same modus operandi.

“This case highlights how individuals can exploit digital platforms to commit sophisticated financial frauds, preying on the emotional vulnerabilities of women seeking matrimonial alliances,” a police officer said.

Impact on Victims

Victims of matrimonial fraud often face not only financial losses but also emotional distress and a breach of trust. In this case, the Shalimar Bagh woman lost ₹86,500 and expressed shock at the audacity and planning involved in the scam. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance and verification when interacting with prospective suitors online.

Matrimonial frauds like these exploit the personal and emotional nature of matrimonial interactions. Victims are often hesitant to report such crimes due to embarrassment or fear of social stigma, which allows fraudsters to continue their operations unchecked. Experts advise individuals to confirm identities, verify employment and financial claims, and avoid transferring money before establishing trust in real-life interactions.

Police Response and Precautions

The Delhi Police have urged citizens to exercise caution when dealing with online matrimonial communications. They have highlighted several preventive measures:

1. Verify Identities: Always confirm the background, education, and employment of prospective suitors through official documentation and reliable sources.
2. Avoid Financial Transactions: Never transfer money to strangers online, even if they claim urgent needs.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: Inform local authorities or cybercrime units immediately if fraudulent activity is suspected.
4. Preserve Evidence: Maintain records of all communications, transaction details, and online profiles for investigations.

The police have also indicated that the accused’s confession and digital evidence provide a strong basis for prosecution. Singh is now in police custody, and further inquiries will focus on identifying other potential victims and verifying the full extent of his operations.

Broader Context of Matrimonial Frauds

India has witnessed a surge in online matrimonial scams in recent years, as the widespread adoption of internet platforms and social media has provided fraudsters with access to a large pool of potential victims. Criminals often exploit the anonymity, convenience, and emotional nature of matrimonial interactions to execute their schemes.

Cybercrime experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Perpetrators employ psychological manipulation, fake profiles, and complex narratives to deceive victims. They often use banking and digital payment platforms to launder money and obscure transactions, complicating detection and prosecution.

The Delhi Police’s efforts in this case underscore the importance of cyber vigilance, inter-state coordination, and timely reporting of online frauds. These measures are critical in preventing fraudsters from continuing to exploit digital platforms with impunity.

Conclusion

The arrest of Dashmeet Singh highlights both the dangers of online matrimonial frauds and the effectiveness of coordinated cybercrime investigations. By posing as a prospective groom, Singh was able to deceive women, extort money, and maintain a lavish lifestyle funded by ill-gotten gains. His apprehension serves as a warning to others engaged in similar fraudulent activities and underscores the need for caution and awareness among individuals seeking matrimonial alliances online.

Authorities continue to investigate the case to ensure that all victims are identified, and further fraudulent activities by Singh are fully uncovered. The Delhi Police have reiterated that reporting such crimes promptly can prevent substantial financial losses and help protect vulnerable individuals from similar scams in the future.