Staying safe on Muslim matrimony sites: warning signs to know

Online matrimony has helped many families find good matches. It also attracts people who are not who they claim to be. Knowing the common warning signs protects you and your family.

Warning signs to watch for

• Requests for money. No genuine match asks for money, gifts, visa fees or help with an emergency, however convincing the story.
• Moving too fast. Declarations of love or marriage proposals within days, before any family has spoken, are a red flag.
• Avoiding video calls or meetings. Constant excuses not to show their face or meet with family usually mean something is wrong.
• Inconsistent details. Job, city or family details that change from one conversation to the next.
• Pressure to move off the platform. Insisting on switching to a private app immediately, before trust is built.
• Photos that look too polished. A quick reverse image search can show if photos are taken from elsewhere.

Habits that keep you safe

• Keep your home address, workplace, bank details and OTPs private until families have met.
• Prefer profiles with a verified tick, and still do your own checks.
• Involve your parents or a trusted relative early. Serious families welcome this.
• Meet for the first time in a public place, with family present.
• Keep photo privacy on until you trust the person.

If something feels wrong

Stop contact and report the profile to Rishteey. For fraud or harassment you can also call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in. Read our full Safety Tips.