I was defrauded by someone on a matrimonial website, what can I do legally?

I was in talks for marriage through a matrimonial site and the other person extracted money from me under false pretenses before disappearing. I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

I was defrauded by someone on a matrimonial website, what can I do legally? is governed in India primarily by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 318 (cheating), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 82 (marriage fraud/deception) and Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D. The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

Section 318 BNS covers cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, applicable where money was extracted under a false promise connected to marriage.

Section 82 BNS specifically penalises deceitful or fraudulent means to cause a woman to believe she is lawfully married, relevant if the fraud extended to a fake or bigamous marriage.

Since the deception originated on a matrimonial website/app, Section 66D of the IT Act (cheating by personation using computer resource) applies for the online element, punishable with up to 3 years.

Matrimonial platforms are intermediaries under the IT Rules 2021 and can be compelled to share the fraudster's registration details (KYC, IP logs) to police upon a written request or court order.

Preserve all chat records, payment proofs, and the fraudster's profile details before they can delete their account.

What to do next: 1) Screenshot the fraudster's matrimonial profile and all chat/payment records; 2) File an FIR citing Sections 318/82 BNS and Section 66D IT Act; 3) Request the matrimonial platform to preserve and share the account's KYC/registration data; 4) File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in for parallel investigation.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 318 (cheating) carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.