- Posted by: Sanjeev
- 02 Sep, 2019
How to Spot Fake Marriage Proposals on Matrimonial Sites
In our desperate moments, we resort to a variety of matrimonial sites in search of the “perfect partner.” These matrimonial sites come with everything we search for, and more. Soon, we are flooded with proposals and hopes soar high. But truth be spoken, many of them just look like red flags pinned all over. As we carefully explore more and more, we realise how fake matrimonial profiles are on the rise. Fake proposals, cheating, duping and other cybercrimes have encircled our virtual experience. If we proceed with caution, we can avoid big or small tragedies from happening to our friends or us. Here are some measures you can take beforehand.
Widows, single mothers and divorcees are weak targets to fake proposals
In the past years, Cyber Crime Investigation Cell (CCIC) has received many complaints regarding matrimonial sites. These complaints were mostly filed by vulnerable widows or divorcees. This is because this faction of people is at their weakest. They fear that they will never find a second chance at love or marriage. Thus, they are easily lured by sugar-coated talks of the “skilled” fraudsters.
From 2015 to 2018, about 43 such cases were solved out of 100 filed cases. It is the modus operandi of these cybercriminals to first emotionally convinced their matches and then dupe them at the first chance they get. It is the classic case of social engineering. Women, especially, who are widows or divorcees must stay alert about this very vulnerability.
In one such romance scam, a gullible woman, fooled in love, sold her flat and gave 50 lakh INR to a fraudster online. It is unimaginable how she must have felt after discovering the truth. Also common are cases where the other party seeks sexual gratification while promising marriage. Like all oppressive crimes, not all the victims of matrimonial crimes report their cases out of shame. But we must remember as someone wise once said, “Your silence will not protect you.”
Scrutinize the matrimonial profile with suspicion
Fake users often do not put a lot of effort into creating their profile. They handle a lot of accounts; their purpose is to attract as many people as possible and not one. Their details, profile pictures, and other information are not unique.
Their bio would be something unoriginal that you may have seen over the Internet. Their impressively crafted profile picture would not be more than one, because they have in all probability downloaded it off Google Images. They might also avoid your video calls because they do not want to reveal their true identity.
When you chat with them, the information and the personality does not quite add up. It is staring you right in the eye, but do not be afraid to take these slip-ups as a red flag.
A fake user never involves their family
In India, we love to involve the family when we are looking for prospects. If your match tries to hide their parents from the scenario, it is highly suspicious. The fake users act guarded when you inquire about their parents or family or they lie to you by saying that they have passed away.
They might even lie that they have not told their parents about you yet, to not get their hopes up. But the truth of the matter is that their parents would naturally involve themselves in a genuine case.
They will deal with everything all by themselves. Either they add a sob story to it or they just give only a little importance to their parents.
Fake users are boastful of their lifestyle
A fake user would always incline to show-off without a cue. They would talk superiorly to catch the attention of all their matches. They have an inflated sense of ego and try to appear well-to-do.
They might even upload fake pictures with big cars, or anything elevating their status quo. Among millennials, everyone considers themselves to be broke. It is a rarity to see someone emphasizing on their high standards.
When you feel that they are being unnecessarily flashy about their properties and bank balance, it is time to say goodbye. A rich person does not waste their time proving they are rich.
Stepping into your privacy way too soon
An honest profile would not try to get under your skin instantly. Genuine profiles patiently judge your profile and move swiftly. An authentic profile would have the same privacy concerns as you. Anyone coming across as excessively intrusive should not be trusted.
Read it as a warning sign if they ask you personal questions about your past relationships and sex life. Only a person with an ulterior motive will ask you so much.
At the very first meeting, they might ask you to come over to their place or any private place. This is a clear sign that the person cannot be relied on.
Zero social media presence
In a pre-internet age, all lives are revolving around social media. Everyone has found their prime interests on sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Reddit. Anyone not present on any of these websites is likely to have a fishy back-story.
Fake users do not share their real identities on matrimonial sites. When you will look them up to “stalk” their accounts, you might not find them. If you go ahead and ask them, expect a really good answer. Since nothing can add up if they use dating and matrimonial sites, and refrain from using social media sites.
Social media not only ensures the real identity of the person but also backs the information of the people they are connected with. You should be aware when you see an account with almost no activity and a very less number of friends or family. This is a shady deal breaker.
Money requests are underlying motives
The fake user does not say it directly; they hide behind an emotional story. They bring up abrupt money problems. Either their parents are ill; they lost their job or anything moving that can melt your heart.
You might feel guilty or stone-hearted by not offering financial help, but do not fret. The minute you say no to them, they will disappear or cut you off.
Nobody should have relations with you because you provide financially for them. This is a complete scam that you should dodge yourself from.
Specific phone habits
The fake user only talks to you on particular timings. They will either reply instantly or take hours to come up with a response. It is also notable how they speedily retort when you will talk about their interests. But when you ask them personal questions, they take time to revert to you.
They will make excuses about their timings. They might even freak out when you call them without notice time. Do not give in to their demands or rules; anyone who is taken aback when you suddenly call them is hiding something in the dark.
Do you want to be with someone who is not even pleased when you call them? If this is the start, what will be the end like?
Take it slow
This might sound old-fashioned but at least it works. Marriage or love is not a train to just get onboard. It transforms and defines your entire life. You or your match both need to slow down a little.
People first get to know each other, and then fall in love. You can be suspicious of anybody who declares their love for you without fully knowing you.
This person is a fake user who is simply luring you into liking them back. These attempts at enticing you by compliments should make you question them.
Inquire
If your doubts overcome you but you still have a good feeling about them, go ahead and ask that person. Any genuine person would welcome your doubts and reassure you. While a cybercriminal would react defensively and might leave you hurt with their choice of words because that is all they have.
It is best to ask because that will erase all your apprehensions. Bear in mind that it is rightly said, “Doubt comes in at the window when an inquiry is denied at the door.”
Get a pre-matrimonial check
If you are still clouded by second thoughts and cannot understand the flow of actions, Delhi’s best DDS Detectives is at your service. We can provide result-oriented investigations with the top detectives in Delhi. You can avail Pre Matrimonial Investigation, Post-Matrimonial Investigation and Background Verification of the subject of your interest. We also have our branches functioning in cities like Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Aligarh, Ambala, Kanpur, Lucknow, Nainital, Rudrapur, Alwar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Bahadurgarh.
Without double-checking, do not give in to matrimonial sites and proposals. The virtual world can be just words without an iota of truth. There is someone out there for you, you should stay patient before taking any course of action. With the growth in access, there is also a rise in crimes. But this does not mean you lose hope. Just like you, others are looking for someone like you. And you will find that person.
