A 46-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly cheating women on matrimonial websites by honeytrapping them, the police said on Saturday.

DCP (Special Cell Cyber Crime Unit) Anyesh Roy said Gaurav Dhamija from Nihal Vihar duped at least 20 women. He is a spare parts dealer who was arrested from Meerut, Mr. Roy added.

A complaint was received in which a woman alleged that she was defrauded by a man who allured her to deposit money after she showed interest in his profile on a matrimonial site, the police said. “He trapped her through a volley of emotional tricks such as calling the victim ‘Mrs. Dhamija’ and promising to buy her expensive gifts. He then started asking for money on various pretexts such as parents’ treatment, business investment among others,” Mr. Roy said, adding that he started with small amounts and escalated the demand later. The accused also threatened with dire consequences when the complainant asked for money back.

He also promised the victims jobs in schools and other places, the officer added.