If someone you met through a matrimonial site asks for money, treat it as a scam, whatever the reason. A person who is seriously considering marriage does not need money from you before the wedding.
Common reasons given
- A medical emergency, or a relative in hospital.
- A blocked bank account or a "temporary" cash problem.
- Customs or courier charges for a gift.
- Visa, ticket or immigration fees.
- A business opportunity or investment with "guaranteed" returns.
- Sending money to "prove" trust.
The story varies, but the pattern is the same: trust is built first, then a sudden need appears, often with urgency and secrecy.
What to do right now
- Do not send anything, including small amounts. Scammers often start small.
- Do not share bank details, OTPs, card numbers, UPI PINs, or ID documents.
- Stop the conversation, or at least stop responding to the request. Do not argue. Keep the messages.
- Save evidence. Screenshot the profile, chats, phone numbers, bank or UPI details they gave, and any payment receipts.
- Tell someone you trust. Shame keeps people quiet, and scammers rely on that.
If you have already sent money
Act quickly, because speed matters.
- Call your bank or payment provider straight away and ask them to block or flag the transaction.
- Report it to your country's fraud or cyber-crime service, as soon as possible. Reports made soon after a transfer have the best chance of stopping the money. We list the official channels for several countries on where to report matrimonial fraud.
- File a police complaint with your local police or cyber-crime unit, and keep the acknowledgement.
- Report the profile to us using the Report option, so the account can be reviewed and removed.
- Be wary of "recovery agents." People who offer to recover your money for a fee are often a second scam.
If it's happening to someone in your family
Often it's parents or relatives who are being pressured. Stay calm, and don't blame them. Help them stop sending money, and take the steps above together.
How to avoid it next time
- Never send money to anyone you have not met, and not before marriage in any case.
- Insist on a video call early on.
- Check the person's identity and background with independent sources. See how to verify someone before meeting for a rishta.
- Learn the warning signs in how to spot a fake matrimonial profile.
- For cross-border matches, read about NRI marriage fraud.
A note on money in genuine matches
It is normal for serious partners to discuss income, debts and family obligations during the process. That is information sharing, not a request for money. Our guide on financial transparency questions explains how to have that conversation safely.
Live Rishta never asks members to send money to other members. If anyone does, report them to us immediately.