Pune: The ongoing gas shortage across the country has sharply increased the demand for electric stoves for home cooking. In cities like Mumbai, Pune, and nearby areas, scarcity of gas cylinders has led people to explore online alternatives. Taking advantage of this situation, cybercriminals in Pune defrauded a senior citizen of ₹3.10 lakh while attempting to purchase an electric stove. The incident came to light in the Kothrud area.
Last week, the victim lodged a complaint with the police, who subsequently registered a cybercrime case and began investigating the matter. According to police sources, the senior citizen had seen an advertisement for an electric stove on social media. Due to the gas shortage, they decided to buy the stove and contacted the mobile number provided in the ad, which marked the start of the scam.
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The cybercriminals instructed the victim to make an online payment to purchase the stove. Trusting the instructions, the senior citizen shared their bank account details with the scammers. Exploiting this information, the criminals transferred ₹3.10 lakh from the victim’s account to another account. The fraud was discovered shortly afterward, prompting the victim to immediately inform the police.
This case raises serious questions about cyber fraud and banking security. Police have advised citizens to exercise caution and to transact only through verified websites or known sellers when making online purchases.
Cybercrime experts note, “Criminals continue to use social media and online advertisements to devise new fraud techniques. Senior citizens, in particular, are easy targets. Extreme caution is essential when conducting online transactions.”
The Kothrud police investigation further revealed that the scammers gained the victim’s trust over the phone to extract personal and banking information. In such cases, it is crucial for citizens to report any fraud to the police immediately.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and security when buying household electronic appliances in Pune. Authorities have warned people against sharing personal information over social media, WhatsApp, or other digital platforms.
While purchasing electric stoves may seem convenient amid the gas shortage, this case underscores the necessity of following online security protocols and dealing only with trusted sellers. The police have launched a swift investigation, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the cybercriminals.
In today’s digital era, safeguarding oneself against cyber fraud and online scams requires citizens to remain alert. Exercising caution, buying only from verified websites, and refraining from sharing bank information are fundamental measures to prevent financial loss.
