Explained: Find out how to protect yourself from matrimonial scams?

HYDERABAD: With the advent of digital technology, online matrimonial platforms have emerged as a popular way of finding a suitable match. Matrimonial websites offer a convenient and user-friendly platform for youngsters and their parents to look for, connect with, and select a suitable find a partner. However, untrustworthy websites might lead to matrimonial scams and fraud.

Are you looking for a life partner online? Keep these factors in mind while looking for an ideal match online

Go for verified matrimonial websites

Check the authenticity and reviews of matrimony websites before registering on matrimonial websites.Talk to your friends and family to know about reliable websites. If possible, try to talk to people who might have found their life partners through online matrimonial platforms. The site must be a secure website.

Create a new e-mail id for matrimonial websites

Create a new e-mail id for registering on matrimonial websites. Preferably,use e-mail as a source of communication and do not share your personal data namely, photo, phone number, house address, etc. on matrimonial websites.

Always do a background check of the prospective match

Conduct an end-to-end background check of the person. Try to contact workplace, family, friends, relatives, neighbours or associates of a prospective match to know more about him/her.

Always keep your family informed

Share details about the potential match with your family. Your family should be aware of any information you provide with a prospective match found on a matchmaking website.

Always meet in public places

Always meet the prospective match in a public place since you never know what kind of person he or she is. Keep your family and friends informed about the meeting as well.

Ask enough questions

Ask appropriate questions while interacting with someone on a matrimonial website to get to know the person better and discover any inconsistencies on his/her part.

Do not share personal information

Avoid talking to anyone on a matrimonial website who pushes you to share your personal information. Never share your personal information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and so on, until you are completely sure and have done a thorough background check.

Never share your sensitive personal photographs

Do not reveal any sensitive personal images while speaking with someone you met through a matrimony website. These images can be exploited by a potential fraudster to blackmail and scam you. These photographs may also be leaked on the internet. Never entertain any request for money.

Do not transfer funds or offer financial help to the prospective match

The moment someone asks you for money citing some reason or the other, you should become cautious and avoid any further communication with him/her without background checks.

Be cautious while dealing with NRI profiles

Always be careful while dealing with ‘NRI’ profiles on matrimonial websites. Commit to marriage only after face-to-face meetings, especially the prospective match’s parents/ relatives and validating any documents related to their address and employment abroad.

How to detect fraudsters on matrimonial websites?

• If a person is hesitant to engage in a video chat or meet in person, he or she may be a fraudster as the profile photo on a matrimonial website may not be of his/her.
• A fraudster may express his/her love in just a short span of acquaintance
• Fraudsters will frequently call from several numbers. He/she frequently does not provide a phone number to call back. Even if he/she provides a number. They do not answer the phone when you call. Later, he/she calls you back from a different number.
• If someone inquires about your financial condition during the first stage of interaction, consider it a red flag.
• A fraudster may not have a social media profile or may have few connections on social media.