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Four Pune residents have allegedly lost a combined ₹49.14 lakh in separate cyber fraud cases involving digital arrest threats, fabricated drug-trafficking allegations, cryptocurrency investments and fake traffic challans. Police have registered complaints and launched investigations into all four incidents.
How Did a Woman Lose ₹32 Lakh?
The largest fraud involved a 75-year-old woman from Karvenagar who was allegedly cheated of ₹32 lakh after criminals falsely linked her to a ₹2 crore financial fraud involving a bank in Nashik.
According to Warje Police, the woman received a call on November 6 from individuals claiming that money connected to the case had been transferred into her bank account. The callers threatened her with arrest and seizure of her property, claiming she was under a digital arrest. They demanded immediate payment to prevent legal proceedings.
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Fearing the consequences, the woman transferred ₹32 lakh through RTGS transactions over two to three days. The fraudsters subsequently demanded more money, prompting her to approach the police. A case was registered at Warje Police Station, and Police Inspector Suvarna Hulwan of the Crime Branch is investigating.
How Was Drug Trafficking Used?
In another incident, a resident of Ambegaon Budruk allegedly lost ₹5.20 lakh after receiving calls from fraudsters impersonating officials of the Department of Telecommunications in Delhi.
The callers claimed that his mobile number had been used for drug trafficking and threatened him with arrest. They demanded money to prevent legal action, following which the victim transferred funds into bank accounts provided by the accused.
The case was registered at Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station and is being investigated by Police Inspector Rangrao Pawar of the Crime Branch.
What Happened in the Crypto Scam?
A young businessman allegedly lost ₹5.13 lakh after being approached with a cryptocurrency investment opportunity promising attractive returns.
According to the complaint registered at Bibwewadi Police Station, the fraudsters persuaded him to transfer money into accounts they provided.
However, the promised investment returns never materialised. Senior Police Inspector Ashwini Satpute is investigating the complaint.
How Did a Fake Challan Lead to Fraud?
The fourth incident involved a businessman living in a housing society along Pune-Satara Road.
He allegedly lost ₹6.81 lakh after receiving a fraudulent traffic challan accompanied by threats of legal action if the fine remained unpaid. According to the complaint filed at Swargate Police Station, the fraudsters obtained his bank account details and used the information to withdraw money.
The amount was subsequently transferred into another bank account. Police Inspector Vikas Bharmal of the Crime Branch is investigating.
What Tactics Did the Fraudsters Use?
The four cases involved different methods of deception, but each relied on convincing victims to act on fraudulent claims.
In two incidents, criminals impersonated authorities and threatened arrest. In another, they promised cryptocurrency investment returns, while the fourth involved a fabricated traffic enforcement notice. The complaints demonstrate how cybercriminals exploit fear of legal consequences and expectations of financial gain to obtain money.
What Is the Investigation Status?
Pune Police are investigating all four complaints to identify the perpetrators and trace the fraudulent transactions.
The incidents have raised concerns about the misuse of official identities, threatening telephone calls, fraudulent investment offers and fake payment notices to target residents. Investigations into the reported financial losses are continuing.
