I am 52 year and feel very lonely. On the advice of my doctor, started searching for a life partner on Shaadi.com, however most of the profiles are either fake or scammers. It just happened that I had almost ?125, 000 to an NRI. Should I file a police case against Shaadi.com as the profiles do not have photos, KYC document verification and fake information. Please help.

Ans:

Dear Looking for Love 

Well, if you're looking for love, then there's no harm in looking on the Internet too, is there?

You don't have to marry someone based off their profile, you can meet new people and if you find someone interesting, take it forward.

Nobody is forcing you into virtual wedded bliss!

 

Ans: Dear A,

It is true that a small portion of deviants make it through the air-tight security that most dating apps provide, but it wouldn't be right to say that there are no genuine people who are interested in interacting or being friends. In fact, a large majority of our users are in the app seeking friendship.

Here and there, you might find some spammy profiles that got through, despite a dating app’s best efforts. Report any suspicious profile as soon as you recognize them as fake users; I assure you that most dating apps take prompt action after checking the genuinity of the report.

Here are some ways to identify a fake profile:

• While some people do not put up their own pictures due to privacy issues, there will be at least a picture of an animal, some random scenery, or wallpapers. But a profile that has a blank space for a display image is more likely a fake one.
• Beware of suspicious first messages with a user directly sharing their number.
• Let's say, you have been talking to someone. If you notice inconsistencies in their stories, it might be a fake profile. Even if they aren't one, it's best not to be in contact with people starting a relationship with lies.
• Financial talks- discussing money or asking for money- during the chatting phase is a big red flag.

Hope this helps.