Fake profiles are the most common way matrimonial sites get misused. Some are scammers after money, some are people hiding a marriage or a past, and some are simply using someone else's photos. You can usually spot them early if you know what to look for.

1. The photos look too perfect, or don't match the story

Professional-looking photos, a single photo only, or pictures that look like a model shoot are worth a second look. Try a reverse image search (Google Lens or similar) on the main photo. If the same face appears under other names or on a stock site, walk away.

2. The profile is vague where it should be specific

Real profiles have ordinary detail: a specific city, an employer or field, a family background. Fake ones are often unusually short on facts but long on flattery. Be careful with profiles that describe a very high income, a senior job abroad and "no family" all at once.

3. They move too fast

Declaring love in the first few messages, asking you to move to WhatsApp straight away, or pressing for a decision within days are classic pressure tactics. A person serious about marriage is usually happy for the families to take time.

4. They avoid live contact

Excuses for never joining a video call (poor signal, a broken camera, constant travel) are a major warning sign. A short video call is the quickest way to confirm that the person matches the photos.

5. The story changes

Details that shift between conversations, such as job, city, siblings or marital status, usually mean something is being hidden. Keep notes, and compare what they tell you with what is on their profile.

6. They ask for money, gifts or documents

This is the clearest sign of all. Requests for money, "customs duty" on a gift, help with a visa or an emergency are scams, whatever the reason given. Never send money to a match. Read our guide on what to do if a match asks for money.

7. Their family is missing or unreachable

For arranged marriages, families are involved. A person who cannot or will not put you in touch with a parent or relative, or whose family can only be reached through them, deserves caution.

8. They push you to leave the platform

Scammers often want to move the conversation to a private app quickly, to avoid platform checks. Staying on the site for the early conversations keeps the profile reviewable and reportable.

9. Your instincts say something is off

If an offer feels too good, or you feel pressured, pause. Ask a trusted relative to read the conversation with you.

What to do if you suspect a fake profile

  • Stop sharing personal details, your address, ID documents and financial information.
  • Do not send money.
  • Use the Report option on the profile or in the chat so our team can review it.
  • If you have lost money, follow the steps in our article on match requests for money.

How Live Rishta helps

Every profile is reviewed before it appears. Members can also verify their identity with a government photo ID and a live selfie check, and full verification is required to send or respond to messages, which makes mass-messaging by fake accounts harder. No site can remove all risk, so the checks above still matter.

Before you meet anyone, read how to verify someone before meeting for a rishta and our final questions to ask before an engagement.