A troubling trend has begun to surface across Punjab where several young boys are falling victim to an emotional and financial trap set by women claiming to be well-settled in countries like the United States and Canada. These women approach boys with the promise of marriage and a better future abroad, only to cheat them out of lakhs of rupees and disappear without a trace. The dream of settling overseas becomes a nightmare for many innocent youth who get caught in this web of fraud.
The trap often begins with a friendly connection on social media, matrimonial apps, or through mutual acquaintances. The woman claims to be an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), showcasing a lavish lifestyle abroad, and expresses a strong desire to marry someone from her home state. She builds emotional intimacy with the boy over time, speaking to him daily, sending photos, and involving him in personal conversations. Some even conduct fake video calls with people posing as their parents or siblings to make their story believable.
Once the emotional bond is strong, the woman starts spinning stories about how she wants to take the boy abroad after marriage. She claims that she is applying for a spousal visa or immigration documents and needs urgent money for legal fees, visa processing, or travel expenses. In some extreme cases, these women even travel to India, arrange fake engagement ceremonies, and demand expensive gold jewellery or gifts in the name of tradition. By the time the boy and his family realise they have been duped, the woman has vanished, blocking contact and deactivating all her social media accounts.
This scam works because many boys in Punjab, especially in rural areas, are desperate to move abroad and see marriage to an NRI as a golden opportunity. These women exploit this vulnerability. The trust in the NRI tag, combined with the emotional manipulation of a romantic relationship, blinds many boys from questioning the real intentions behind such offers. In their eagerness to chase a foreign dream, they ignore red flags and avoid involving family or taking legal advice.
To avoid falling into such traps, boys need to stay vigilant and cautious. First and foremost, no one should transfer money to someone they haven’t met in person or verified through trusted sources. Boys should involve their families in discussions about marriage, regardless of how serious or private the relationship may seem. Background checks are essential—ask for documents, verify identities through Indian embassies abroad, and look for inconsistencies in their stories. Legal steps like registering the marriage and consulting a lawyer before making any financial commitment can also prevent fraud.
Moreover, community leaders and law enforcement agencies in Punjab should step up efforts to raise awareness about this growing scam. Villages and towns need targeted education campaigns to make youth aware of such deceitful tactics. Victims should be encouraged to speak out and report these incidents to cybercrime cells and NRI affairs departments. Legal and digital tools must be made accessible to rural families to help verify overseas claims.
In conclusion, the dream of moving abroad is valid, but it should not blind young men into falling for fraudulent traps dressed as love and marriage. With awareness, caution, and family support, this kind of exploitation can be prevented, and the youth of Punjab can be safeguarded from such emotional and financial devastation.