I was cheated of ₹1.5 lakh by a Dibrugarh matrimonial site match who turned out to be a fraud. What can I do?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have been cheated of ₹1.5 lakh by a matrimonial site match in Dibrugarh, you can take several legal actions to seek justice and recover your money.

Here are the steps you can follow:

• File a Police Complaint:
  • Immediately lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
  • Provide all relevant details, including communication records, bank transaction statements, and any evidence of the fraud.
• File a Cyber Crime Complaint:
  • Visit the Cyber Crime Cell in Assam or file a complaint online through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
  • Include details about the fraudulent activity, the identity of the fraudster if known, and any evidence you have gathered.
• Contact the Matrimonial Site:
  • Report the incident to the matrimonial site. They may have policies in place to investigate fraudulent profiles.
  • Request them to block the fraudulent account to prevent further scams.
• Seek Legal Advice:
  • Consult with a lawyer who specializes in cyber law to understand your rights and options.
  • Your lawyer can help you file a civil suit for recovery of the amount under Section 70 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which covers penalties for misrepresentation.
• Approach Consumer Forums:
  • You can file a complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, if you believe the matrimonial site failed to provide a service that was promised.
  • The complaint must be filed within two years from the date of incident.

It is crucial to document every step you take and keep copies of all correspondence and evidence related to the fraud. The legal process can be lengthy, but persistence and proper legal guidance can lead to justice.