Telangana: Hyderabad Police have reported that a 47-year-old woman from Vinay Nagar Colony in Saidabad was allegedly cheated of Rs 3,38,200 after falling victim to an online marriage proposal scam. The fraud involved a fake Delhi-based "UK Affairs Office", according to the Cyber Crime Unit of Hyderabad Police.

The woman was reportedly contacted by a man identifying himself as "Hirad Ahmed", who claimed to be a doctor based in the United Kingdom.

How did the scam unfold?

The accused allegedly established contact through WhatsApp calls, messages and video chats, and gained the woman's trust before manipulating her to open two new bank accounts and purchase two SIM cards. She was then instructed to send the associated ATM cards and passbooks to a purported "UK Affairs Office" in New Delhi, police said.

What demands were made?

The police added that the accused and his associates later sent fake visa and marriage-related documents and demanded money for processing.

"They repeatedly asked for payments for visa fees, late charges, luggage problems, hotel stay, flight issues, and medical emergencies. Believing his false stories, she transferred a total of Rs 3,38,200," the police said.

How did the victim realise she was cheated?

After losing contact with the scammer and receiving suspicious calls from multiple numbers, the woman realised she had been cheated and sought action from the authorities.

What advice has been issued to the public?

Following the incident, the Cyber Crime Unit issued a public advisory urging citizens not to trust unsolicited marriage proposals received via social media or messaging platforms. The advisory also advised people to avoid sharing bank or personal documents with individuals met online only.

It further warned that cyber fraudsters may impersonate government authorities to demand payments and recommended verification through official channels.

Agency inputs