From Love to Loss: A ₹7 Lakh Romance Scam Exposes the Dangers of Online Deception
A 37-year-old bank employee from Karnataka fell victim to a cyber fraud, losing ₹7 lakh after receiving a romantic message on Facebook from an unknown individual. The message, which simply stated “I love you,” initiated a conversation that quickly escalated into a sophisticated scam involving fake identities and emotional manipulation.
This incident underscores the increasing threat of online romance scams, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, where scammers often pose as admirers or lonely individuals to exploit unsuspecting users.
The Scam Unfolds: Romance and Deceit
The victim, employed at a national bank, received the initial message in early June from a woman claiming to be from a foreign country. Over the following days, they exchanged messages, with the woman expressing affection and trust.
Once a bond was established, the scammer claimed to be sending a gift package containing valuable items, including gold jewelry and foreign currency. Shortly after, the victim received a call from someone impersonating a customs officer, who informed him that the package was being held at the airport and that he needed to pay taxes and clearance fees.
Believing the fabricated story, the man transferred ₹7 lakh through multiple transactions. It was only when the calls ceased and the Facebook profile disappeared that he realized he had been deceived.
Understanding the Mechanics of These Scams
Cybersecurity experts identify this type of fraud as “romance fraud,” where criminals build trust over time before inventing a crisis—such as customs issues or medical emergencies—to solicit money.
“These scams are emotionally manipulative. Victims not only lose money but are also led to believe they are helping someone they care about,” explained a senior police officer involved in the case.
Scammers typically use fake images, often stolen from real individuals, and claim to be from another country to enhance credibility and urgency.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The victim reported the fraud to the cybercrime police in Bangalore, who have registered a case under relevant sections for cheating and identity fraud. Authorities are collaborating with digital crime experts to trace the IP address and financial trail, although recovery in such cases is often challenging.
“We are witnessing a rise in emotional scams, particularly among educated professionals who are more trusting online,” noted the investigating officer. “People need to remember: if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.”
The cybercrime division has urged the public to report similar scams immediately through the national cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling the helpline number 1930.
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