Pune: Cyber criminals have once again targeted residents in Pune, carrying out a series of frauds worth several lakhs of rupees. In the most serious case, an 87-year-old doctor was allegedly cheated of more than ₹46 lakh after fraudsters threatened him with a so-called “digital arrest.” Separate incidents involving impersonation of bank officials, online task scams and fake credit card reward offers also resulted in substantial financial losses for victims. The cases highlight the growing sophistication of cyber fraudsters and the increasing risks faced by ordinary citizens.
According to investigators, the largest fraud involved an 87-year-old doctor residing in the Deccan Gymkhana area. In his complaint, the victim stated that cyber criminals contacted him claiming to be officers from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. The callers allegedly informed him that a serious criminal case had been registered against him and that the matter had reached the Supreme Court. They then threatened him with arrest and legal action.
The fraudsters reportedly convinced the doctor that immediate payments were required to avoid detention and further proceedings. Under sustained pressure and fear, the victim transferred a total of ₹46 lakh into multiple bank accounts provided by the callers. The fraud came to light only after the transactions had been completed, prompting the doctor to approach cyber police authorities. Investigators are now examining the beneficiary accounts and digital transaction trail.
Modus Operandi: Task Scams and Fake KYC Links
In another incident, a senior citizen from the Baner area was allegedly targeted by fraudsters posing as bank officials. The callers informed him that his bank account details needed to be updated and obtained sensitive banking information during the conversation. They subsequently sent him a link, which he opened. Shortly thereafter, ₹4.10 lakh was transferred from his account to another account without his authorization. Police are attempting to identify the recipients and trace the movement of the funds.
A similar fraud was reported from Lohgaon, where a 54-year-old woman was lured into an “online task” scheme. Cyber criminals promised attractive returns for completing simple work-from-home assignments. Initially, she was given minor tasks and was later persuaded to invest money with assurances of higher profits. The victim allegedly deposited ₹4.04 lakh into accounts provided by the fraudsters. After making the payments, she neither received the promised returns nor succeeded in contacting the operators.
In another case, a young woman from Kharadi fell victim to a scam involving credit card coupons and promotional rewards. Fraudsters allegedly used the offer as a pretext to obtain her financial information and subsequently cheated her of ₹3.47 lakh. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
Common Cyber Crime Tactics
Cyber security experts note that digital arrest scams, fake KYC update requests, online task frauds, investment schemes and reward coupon scams are among the most commonly used tactics by cyber criminals today. Fraudsters often exploit fear, urgency or the promise of quick financial gains to manipulate victims into transferring money.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that there is no legal procedure known as “digital arrest.” According to him, no legitimate police or investigative agency demands money over phone calls, video calls or messages in exchange for avoiding arrest. He advised citizens to independently verify any such claims and immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the nearest cyber police station if they receive suspicious communications.
The Police Advisory
Police said investigations in all the cases are ongoing. Authorities are examining bank accounts, mobile numbers and digital transaction records linked to the frauds. Citizens have been urged not to trust unsolicited calls, links, investment proposals or threats of legal action without proper verification. The recent incidents in Pune underscore the evolving methods employed by cyber criminals and reinforce the importance of vigilance as the most effective defence against online fraud.
