New Delhi: In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Delhi Police has arrested a 35-year-old man accused of running a nationwide online romance scam, allegedly cheating over 500 women of nearly ₹2 crore by posing as a doctor and other professionals.
Accused Posed as Doctor to Gain Trust
According to investigators, the accused frequently impersonated a doctor to appear credible and trustworthy. He also created fake identities as a businessman, lawyer, and film producer across dating apps, matrimonial sites, and social media platforms to target unsuspecting victims.
Police officials noted that the “doctor” persona helped him build quick emotional connections, making it easier to manipulate victims.
Modus Operandi: Emotional Manipulation & Fake Promises
The accused reportedly initiated contact through casual conversations, gradually forming emotional relationships. He later shifted chats to private platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to avoid detection.
Once trust was established, he fabricated emergencies such as medical crises, financial losses, or urgent personal needs to solicit money. In several cases, he promised marriage or fake career opportunities to deepen emotional involvement.
Use of Fake Profiles, SIM Cards to Evade Detection
The fraudster used multiple mobile numbers, fake identities, and frequently changed accounts to stay under the radar. Authorities revealed that he managed several fake profiles simultaneously, targeting women across different states.
He also used multiple devices and SIM cards registered under different names, making tracking difficult for law enforcement agencies.
Victim Duped of ₹7 Lakh in One Case
In one instance, a woman was cheated of around ₹7 lakh by a fake profile under the name “Vaibhav Arora.” After gaining her trust and financial support, the accused abruptly cut off communication and even spread false claims about his own death.
Blackmail Tactics Used Against Victims
Investigators found that the accused also resorted to blackmail. He allegedly convinced victims to share private photos or videos and later threatened to leak them publicly if additional money was not paid.
Arrest in West Bengal, Assets Recovered
The accused, a resident of West Bengal, was arrested from the North 24 Parganas district following technical surveillance and financial transaction analysis.
During the operation, police recovered smartphones, SIM cards, debit cards, and gold jewellery allegedly purchased using the defrauded money. A portion of the funds was reportedly spent on online gaming and personal expenses.
Investigation Ongoing, More Victims Likely
Officials believe more victims may come forward as the investigation progresses. The accused is currently in custody, and authorities are working to trace the remaining financial trail and uncover the full extent of the fraud network.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing threat of online romance scams and the importance of verifying identities on digital platforms. Authorities have urged users to remain cautious while interacting with unknown individuals online and to report suspicious activity immediately.
