Bhiwandi Woman Loses ₹9.17 Lakh To Fake UK Groom

A woman from Bhiwandi has fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing ₹9.17 lakh to fraudsters who posed as a UK-based prospective groom. The incident occurred after the woman created a profile on a matrimonial website in search of a suitable match.

On June 15, 2026, an unidentified caller contacted the family, claiming to have found the profile on the website and introducing a man allegedly employed in the United Kingdom as a prospective groom. The accused shared the man's profile and photographs through WhatsApp and claimed that he had already purchased gold jewellery for the bride.

To gain the family's confidence, the accused sent images of the purported ornaments, making the proposal appear genuine. The fraudsters initially persuaded the victim to transfer ₹16,000 towards the delivery of the jewellery. Two days later, they contacted her again and claimed that the prospective groom had been detained by customs authorities at an airport after arriving in India with the gold ornaments.

They alleged that immediate payments were required to secure his release and avoid legal action. Fearing that the marriage proposal would collapse and believing the claims to be genuine, the victim transferred money repeatedly over June 16 and 17 through 41 separate bank transactions into multiple accounts maintained with ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of Maharashtra.

The family became suspicious when the accused continued demanding more money on various pretexts and the alleged groom remained unreachable. Realising that they had fallen victim to a well-planned cyber fraud, they approached the police. The Bhoiwada Police have registered a case against unidentified persons under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police have launched an investigation and are tracing the bank accounts, digital transaction trail, and other electronic evidence to identify the members of the cyber fraud syndicate. Investigators suspect the accused operated as part of an organised racket that specifically targets individuals using matrimonial platforms by exploiting emotions and creating fake overseas profiles before extracting money through fabricated emergencies.

The incident highlights the importance of being cautious when using online platforms, especially those related to sensitive matters like marriage. It also underscores the need for individuals to be aware of the tactics used by cyber fraudsters and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.

In recent times, there has been a rise in cyber fraud cases in India, with many individuals losing large sums of money to scamsters. The police have been working to crack down on these syndicates and raise awareness about the dangers of cyber fraud.

The Bhiwandi police are urging citizens to be vigilant and to verify the authenticity of any online profiles or proposals before making any financial transactions. They are also working to educate the public about the common tactics used by cyber fraudsters and how to avoid falling prey to such scams.

The incident is a reminder that cyber fraud can happen to anyone, and it is essential to be cautious and vigilant when using online platforms. By being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.

In conclusion, the case of the Bhiwandi woman who lost ₹9.17 lakh to a fake UK groom is a stark reminder of the dangers of cyber fraud and the importance of being cautious when using online platforms. The police are working to crack down on such syndicates, and it is essential for individuals to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

The incident has significant implications for the people of Mumbai, as it highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance when using online platforms. It also underscores the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately, to prevent such scams from occurring in the future.

The Mumbai police have been working to raise awareness about cyber fraud and to educate the public about the common tactics used by scamsters. They have also been working to crack down on such syndicates and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Overall, the case of the Bhiwandi woman who lost ₹9.17 lakh to a fake UK groom is a reminder of the importance of being cautious and vigilant when using online platforms, and the need for increased awareness and education about the dangers of cyber fraud.