The Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police apprehended 23-year-old Maram Ashok Reddy for alleged matrimonial fraud and extortion through social media impersonation.
Operating under the alias ‘Praneetha_redd’ on Snapchat, the fraudster manipulated victims into believing they were interacting with a woman, ultimately extorting Rs 14 lakhs under false pretenses.
The accused’s modus operandi involved establishing virtual romantic relationships with men, fabricating urgent needs, and exploiting victims’ trust through deception, using the funds for online gaming.
The accused utilized various gaming and betting applications.
Honey trap cases are prevalent not only in Hyderabad but also in other regions. Merely apprehending one criminal isn’t sufficient to address the issue.
A large-scale crackdown is necessary to instill fear and panic among scamsters and discourage honey trapping. Only through systematic and widespread efforts can the problem be effectively tackled and potential victims safeguarded from falling prey to such schemes.
To avoid similar situations, people should be careful when engaging in online matrimonial relationships. Verify the authenticity of profiles and report any suspicious behavior to the police.
Watch out for signs like quick declarations of love, reluctance to meet in person or via video chat, and repeated requests for money. Staying informed about common scams and seeking help if victimized are crucial in protecting against matrimonial fraud.
