Criminals exploit online relationships and inflict heartache — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 25, 2026

Severity: HIGH | View Full Scam Details

Beware the 2026 India Relationship Scam: Criminals Exploit Online Bonds and Inflict Heartache

Online love can turn into a costly trap as criminals exploit emotions to steal money and identity in India’s rising relationship scams.

What Is the Criminals Exploit Online Relationships and Inflict Heartache Scam?

This scam targets lonely or vulnerable individuals who seek companionship on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, or even WhatsApp groups. Fraudsters create fake profiles — sometimes pretending to be soldiers abroad, overseas business professionals, or single parents — to connect emotionally with victims. Their goal is to gain trust and affection before manipulating victims into sending money or sharing private details.

In India, incidents of such “romance scams” have surged amid increased internet and smartphone use, especially post-pandemic. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has reported rising complaints, with victims often losing lakhs of rupees through fraudulent bank transfers or UPI payments. CERT-In and RBI have also issued warnings against scams involving fake online relationships, underscoring the need for public vigilance.

These scammers often specifically target middle-aged or elderly Indians who may feel isolated and are less aware of online fraud tactics. The financial damage is severe, but the emotional trauma and loss of dignity are often even more devastating.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Target Selection: Fraudsters scan social media and dating apps for profiles showing loneliness, recent breakups, or personal struggles.

2. Initial Contact: They send a friendly message, often flattering or empathetic, to start a conversation. Common icebreakers include compliments or shared interests.

3. Building Trust: Over days or weeks, the scammer maintains regular chats or phone/video calls, sometimes sending fake photos or gifts purchased online. The goal is to make the victim emotionally attached.

4. Creating an Emergency: Once trust is established, the scammer presents a sudden crisis—like a medical emergency, business trouble, or travel problem—that requires immediate funds.

5. Requesting Money: Victims receive urgent requests for money via UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe), bank transfers, or sometimes doorstep cash pick-up arranged through third parties.

6. Continued Deception: Even after receiving money, fraudsters might create new emergencies or delay calls to avoid suspicion.

7. Disappearance and Aftermath: Eventually, the scammer ceases contact, leaving the victim emotionally shattered and financially strained. Attempts to reverse payments via UPI or bank channels often fail due to the authorized nature of transfers.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Frequent urgent requests for money, especially for medical or travel emergencies.
• Avoiding in-person meetings or video calls despite long conversations.
• Inconsistent or vague details about their life, job, or location.
• Pressuring you to keep the relationship secret or moving communications off the original platform.
• Expressing exaggerated emotions too quickly, like instant love declarations.
• Asking for your Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details “for verification” or “help.”
• Using poor grammar or copy-pasted messages from other victims.

What Happens to Victims

Victims face serious financial losses—often tens or hundreds of thousands of rupees—sent through irreversible UPI payments or bank transfers. Due to the scam’s emotional manipulation, victims may delay reporting, worsening losses. In some cases, SIM swapping occurs to take control of victims’ phones and intercept OTPs, further compromising bank accounts.

Emotionally, victims suffer betrayal, depression, and isolation. The social stigma around “romance scams” in India can prevent family support or quick recovery. Sometimes, victims’ Aadhaar or PAN cards are misused for identity theft, complicating legal and financial issues.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

The RBI advises users to avoid sharing OTPs, UPI PINs, or bank details with unknown people under any pretext. The central bank warns that fund transfers using UPI or net banking are final and non-reversible unless the beneficiary consents to refund.

CERT-In recommends not clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal documents with unknown contacts. It urges Indians to report cybercrimes immediately via the 1930 cybercrime helpline or through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) regularly updates the public about romance scams and encourages awareness through campaigns and helplines to reduce online relationship fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how trustworthy they seem.
2. Verify identities by suggesting video calls or meeting in person at a public place before getting emotionally involved.
3. Do not share Aadhaar, PAN, bank, or UPI details with online acquaintances.
4. Avoid moving chats to encrypted apps without identifying the person thoroughly.
5. Use strong UPI app settings: enable app lock, and never share UPI PIN or OTP.
6. Report any suspicious requests immediately on the 1930 helpline or via cybercrime.gov.in.
7. Educate friends and family, especially elderly relatives, about the realities and tactics of online relationship scams.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

• Halt all communication with the scammer immediately.
• Contact your bank or UPI app customer service to freeze or monitor your accounts.
• Change all passwords for online banking and related apps promptly.
• Report the incident to the 1930 cybercrime helpline and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
• Inform your mobile service provider if you suspect SIM swap fraud to block misuse.
• Reach out to local police and share all evidence like chat screenshots and transaction details.
• Seek emotional support from trusted relatives or professional counselors to recover from trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can UPI transactions made under such scams be reversed?
A: Generally, UPI payments are instant and final. Unless the receiver agrees to return funds, it’s difficult to reverse transactions. Victims must report quickly to both the bank and cyber authorities for guidance.

Q: How can I verify if someone online is genuine?
A: Always insist on video calls and cross-verify details they provide. Use reverse image search on profile photos to check for fake or copied pictures.

Q: Are older Indians more at risk?
A: Yes, scammers often target elderly or less tech-savvy individuals who may be lonely, making awareness and family support crucial for their safety.

Online relationships can blossom genuinely — but never at the cost of your safety or savings. If you receive suspicious messages or requests for money, verify them immediately at BharatSecure.app, India’s trusted platform against digital fraud. Stay alert, stay safe!