Most people who look for a rishta online are sincere. A small number are not. They may be fake profiles, people who want money, or people who hide who they really are. This guide lists the warning signs so your family can spot them early. It applies to any rishta website, bureau or social media group, not only ours.
The simplest rule: a genuine rishta never needs money from you before the families have met. Nobody who truly wants to marry into your family needs your OTP, your bank details or a “fee”.
12 red flags
1. They ask for money in any form
Requests for a “registration fee”, “visa fee”, “ticket money”, “customs charges”, a gift, a loan or an emergency payment are the biggest warning sign. Stop talking to the person. Do not pay “just once”.
2. Someone promises a guaranteed match
Nobody can guarantee a marriage. Be careful with anyone who says they will find a rishta within a fixed number of days if you pay first.
3. They want to move off the platform very quickly
If a stranger pushes you to chat on a private app within the first day, be cautious. Take your time. A sincere family understands that you want to learn about them slowly.
4. The photos look too perfect, or too few
Studio-quality model photos, a profile with only one picture, or pictures that look different from each other may belong to someone else. Ask for a live video call. A genuine person will usually agree.
5. They refuse a video call or a family meeting
A person who always has an excuse not to appear on video, or not to introduce their parents, is hiding something. Be especially careful when they claim to live abroad.
6. Their story keeps changing
Different ages, jobs, cities or family details in different conversations are a clear warning. Write down what you are told and compare it later.
7. They ask for your personal documents early
Do not send a CNIC copy, passport, bank details or home address to someone you have not met. Never share an OTP or password, with anyone, for any reason.
8. They say they are rich, a doctor or a foreign-returned officer, but cannot prove it
A very attractive profile is not a crime. But if every detail is the best possible and none of it can be checked, ask politely for ways to confirm it, such as a workplace, a relative you can contact, or a family visit.
9. They put emotional pressure on you
Phrases such as “decide today or I will leave”, or sudden declarations of love after a few chats, are used to stop you from thinking. A real proposal can wait a few weeks.
10. A “middleman” asks for a fee to arrange the introduction
Agents who ask for money in advance and then disappear are common. If you use an agent, ask for a written agreement, check them through people you trust, and do not pay the full amount at the start.
11. The account pretends to be a known organisation
Fake pages copy the names and logos of real services. Always check the website address. Our official details are only on our Contact page, and we never ask for your password, OTP or bank details. Read our notice about fake accounts.
12. They want to keep the relationship secret from both families
A marriage proposal should involve the families. If someone insists that nobody else should know, take that as a serious red flag.
How to check a proposal safely
- Talk on the platform first. Keep early conversations where there is a record.
- Ask for a video call with the person and, later, with a parent or elder.
- Check details through people you trust. Ask relatives, neighbours or colleagues who may know the family. Use more than one source.
- Meet in a public place with family present. Tell someone where you are going.
- Verify documents only in person and only at the right stage, usually before the nikah. See our marriage documents guide.
- Take your time. A good rishta can wait for proper checking.
If you think you are being targeted
- Stop replying and do not send any more money or documents.
- Keep screenshots of messages, profile pages, phone numbers and payment details. Do not delete them.
- If you shared a password or OTP, change your passwords at once and contact your bank or mobile wallet provider.
- On our site, use the Report this profile button or email support@test.myrishta.pk.
- If you lost money, consider reporting it to the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) or to your local police. Check their official website for the current way to file a report.
How our badges help, and what they do not mean
Some profiles carry a badge. A badge is a help, not a guarantee. Read exactly what each one means on our verification badges page, and still follow the steps above.
Our promise
My Rishta Pakistan is free. We do not charge for registration, messaging or introductions, and no one from our team will ask you for money. Learn more in Our Story, and read our other rishta safety tips.
This page is general information, not legal advice. My Rishta Pakistan is an independent non-profit and is not connected with any government body or political party.