Widower duped of 86L in matrimony app crypto scam in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Posing as a prospective life-partner on a matrimony app, a cyber fraudster has duped a 42-year-old widower from the city of 86 lakh by luring him to invest through a fake crypto-trading platform. Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have registered a case and started a probe after the victim filed a complaint on Monday.The complainant, from Bowenpally, signed up on a matrimony app in Nov 2025, looking for remarriage after his wife's death. A user identifying herself as ‘Preeti Chopra' liked his profile and began chatting on Telegram and WhatsApp.
Claiming to be a successful forex and bitcoin trader, she shared screenshots of large returns and lured him to create an account on the crypto trading site, www.ebcinfx.com. The victim opened an account, uploading PAN, Aadhaar and bank details, and bought USDT crypto currency worth 25,000. "My confidence grew when a profit of ₹21,750 was credited into my bank account after the initial investment," the victim told police.Over the next two months, he deposited more money and the in-app balance reached USDT 234667, which is equivalent to 2.16 crore. Whenever he tried to withdraw, the administrators of the site demanded new payments, a 12% conversion fee, VIP upgrade charges and other levies. "I had transferred 86 lakh in total, but they did not let me withdraw any amount," the victim said.Realising that he was duped, the victim approached Hyderabad Cyber Crime police on Monday. A case was registered under Sections 316(2) (Punishment for criminal breach of trust), 318(4) (cheating), 319(2) (cheating by personation) and 338 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act.Police advised citizens not to share identity documents or send money to unverified investment links promoted by strangers online. Cyber fraud victims should immediately report the crime on the national helpline - 1930.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !