Last Updated on January 7, 2026 8:40 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter
With the growing use of social media and messaging platforms, online relationships that begin with friendly conversations and emotional bonding are increasingly turning into cases of financial and emotional fraud, cybercrime experts warn.
Fraudsters often initiate contact with compliments and expressions of affection, gradually building trust before manipulating victims into sharing money, sensitive personal details or financial information. Authorities say early awareness and caution remain the most effective safeguards against such scams.
Experts advise users to be alert if strangers express intense emotions unusually quickly, speak about “destiny” or claim a deep emotional connection within a short period. A common red flag is the refusal to participate in video calls or repeated excuses to avoid meeting in person. Requests for money—whether through bank transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards—should be treated as an immediate warning sign.
Scammers frequently use dramatic personal stories to pressure victims, including claims of medical emergencies, travel problems, customs issues or promises of “guaranteed” investment returns. Such narratives are designed to create urgency and bypass rational decision-making.
To protect themselves, users are advised to verify online profiles by conducting reverse image searches to check whether photos have been copied from elsewhere. Experts also recommend avoiding the sharing of personal data, intimate content or financial details with unknown contacts.
Cyber safety officials further caution against downloading unverified applications or clicking on suspicious links promoting trading, cryptocurrency or investment platforms, noting that such actions often lead to financial loss or identity theft.
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Any online connection that asks for money, creates urgency or requests secrecy is a red flag.
• Report online fraud on the National Cyber Crime portal at cybercrime.gov.in, call on the helpline number 1930 or call ICICI Bank’s helpline on 1800 2662.
• If you have received any malicious/phishing/suspicious e-mails or calls, please report these to Sanchar Saathi at sancharsaathi.gov.in