Introduction
Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are no longer used only for sharing photos or chatting with friends. Many people now meet partners and build romantic relationships online. While several connections are genuine, a rising number of users in India experience romance scams, online harassment, hate comments, insults, and even death threats when relationships end. What begins as affection can quickly turn into pressure, blackmail, or public shaming. Understanding the early warning signs and knowing the legal provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000 can help individuals protect their dignity, safety, and digital privacy.
What Is a Romance Scam or Online Relationship Fraud?
A romance scam happens when a person creates a fake or misleading online identity to gain emotional trust and later misuse it for money, private photos, or personal data. In many modern situations, the issue does not stop at financial cheating. After disagreements or break-ups, the same person may start sending abusive messages, posting insulting comments, leaking chats, or spreading rumours. This behaviour turns a personal relationship into cyber harassment and online intimidation, both of which are punishable offences in India.
Major Red Flags of Romance Scams and Toxic Online Relationships
Major warning signs include very fast emotional attachment from a stranger, repeated excuses to avoid video calls or real meetings, sudden financial emergencies or investment requests, pressure to shift chats to private apps, demands for intimate photos or recordings, profiles that look perfect but have little real interaction, and inconsistent personal stories. Another serious red flag appears after a conflict or break-up when the person begins posting hate comments, sending threats, insulting publicly, or trying to damage reputation through social media exposure. These patterns show manipulation and emotional control rather than genuine affection.
Legal Provisions in India You Should Be Aware Of
Indian law does not have one single “romance scam law,” but several strong provisions protect victims. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 308 – Extortion applies when someone threatens to leak information or cause harm to obtain money or valuables. Section 318 – Cheating covers deception for personal or financial gain through fake identities or false promises. Section 351 – Criminal Intimidation protects individuals from threats, including threats to life or reputation. Section 352 – Intentional Insult applies when a person uses abusive language to humiliate or provoke. Section 336 – Identity Impersonation becomes relevant when someone pretends to be another person online to gain trust or mislead a victim.
The Information Technology Act, 2000 strengthens digital protection. Section 66C deals with identity theft such as misuse of passwords or OTPs. Section 66D covers cheating by personation using computer resources, which is common in fake social media profiles. Section 66E addresses violation of privacy when private images or videos are shared without consent. Section 67 and Section 67A punish publishing or transmitting obscene or sexually explicit content online, often used in sextortion or revenge posting cases. When the victim is below eighteen years of age, the POCSO Act, 2012 may also apply, leading to stricter punishment.
What To Do If You Face Online Harassment or Threats After a Break-Up
If harassment begins, stay calm and avoid emotional replies. Do not send money or additional content to silence the offender. Save evidence immediately by taking screenshots of chats, profile links, comments, and threats. After collecting proof, block and report the account on the platform. Change passwords for social media, email, and banking accounts and enable two-factor authentication. You can file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal of India or visit the nearest cybercrime police station to register an FIR. Early reporting improves the chances of stopping further abuse.
Conclusion
Romance scams, online break-up harassment, and social media threats in India are not minor personal disputes; they are recognised cyber offences with real legal consequences. Emotional manipulation, hate comments, insults, and death threats fall under cheating, intimidation, extortion, and privacy-violation laws. Awareness of red flags, careful online behaviour, and knowledge of relevant BNS and IT Act provisions empower individuals to protect themselves. Online relationships can be meaningful, but digital boundaries and legal awareness ensure that affection never turns into fear or exploitation.
