Are rishta WhatsApp groups safe?
Rishta groups on WhatsApp and Facebook are popular, and many families have found matches through them. But they carry real risks, especially for women. Here is how to protect yourself.
The privacy problem
In a public group your photo, number and family details can be seen, saved and shared by hundreds of strangers. Once shared, you cannot take it back.
Common scams
- A fee to “unlock” a number or arrange a meeting
- Someone abroad asking for money for a visa or ticket
- Fake profiles using someone else’s photos
- Pressure to move off the platform or to meet alone
Staying safe
Never send money to someone you have not met. Verify identity by video call with family present. Do not share your CNIC, passport or bank details. Ask for references, and tell a trusted relative before meeting.
A more private option
Zawaj lets you blur photos, verify profiles, report and block, and speak only after a proposal is accepted. See safety and privacy, and how to spot fake profiles.
Frequently asked questions
Should I share my number in a group?
Avoid it. Use an app that lets you talk without sharing your number first.
What should I do if I am scammed?
Stop contact, keep records, report to the platform and to local authorities, such as the FIA cybercrime wing in Pakistan or Action Fraud in the UK.