PUNE: Cybercrime is on the rise across Pune, with local police recording an average of three to four cases every day. Two recent incidents have added to the growing list, where two individuals collectively lost ₹45 lakh to fraudsters using fake stock market investment and online job schemes.
In the first case, a 69-year-old trader residing in Shukrawar Peth was cheated out of ₹23.43 lakh. He was contacted through mobile messages that advertised highly lucrative stock market investment opportunities. The scamsters shared fraudulent links with him, encouraging him to invest in small amounts over time. Convinced by the returns promised, the victim transferred the money in multiple instalments. The case was registered at Khadak Police Station, and the investigation is being conducted by Police Inspector Manojkumar Londhe.
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In a separate incident, a 33-year-old man from Ambegaon fell prey to a well-orchestrated online job scam. He was contacted on WhatsApp and lured into a Telegram group where he was offered a chance to earn money by completing simple online tasks. The victim trusted the offer and made financial transfers over a 15-day period, amounting to ₹21.52 lakh. However, no payments were received in return, and he soon realised the fraud.
A formal complaint was lodged at Ambegaon Police Station, where Sub-Inspector Prashant Mane has taken charge of the investigation.
Officials have reiterated the importance of public vigilance in avoiding such traps. “People must refrain from clicking on unfamiliar links or sharing financial details online. If a scheme sounds too good to be true, it likely is,” a police spokesperson stated.
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