Pune: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 25-year-old tech consultant in Pune lost ₹7 lakh after falling prey to a fake car rental scheme operated through a WhatsApp number. The incident once again highlights how cybercriminals are exploiting online search platforms and messaging apps to target unsuspecting users.
According to the complaint, the victim, a resident of Kothrud and employed with a private company, was defrauded after his father searched online for a car rental service. During the search, he came across a WhatsApp number that appeared to belong to a legitimate rental agency.
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However, investigators later found that the number had been deliberately placed online by cyber fraudsters to lure potential customers. When the victim’s father contacted the number, the person on the other end posed as a representative of a car rental company and initiated the booking process in a convincing manner.
The fraudster reportedly spoke professionally and built trust by providing detailed responses about the booking. He then asked for advance payment and requested the victim’s father to share credit card details to complete the transaction. Soon after the details were shared, multiple unauthorized transactions were carried out, resulting in a total loss of ₹7 lakh.
Police officials said the victim became aware of the fraud only after receiving alerts about money being debited from the bank account. A complaint was immediately filed, and a case of cyber fraud has been registered.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the fraudsters used a well-planned strategy involving fake listings on search engines and social media platforms. By placing fraudulent contact numbers online, they were able to impersonate legitimate service providers and deceive victims into sharing sensitive financial information.
Cybersecurity experts say this is a classic example of “social engineering,” where criminals manipulate individuals into divulging confidential data. Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, explained that such frauds rely heavily on psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking.
“In these cases, fraudsters first establish trust and then gradually extract sensitive information. The misuse of platforms like WhatsApp and search engines to create fake identities has become one of the most effective tools for cybercriminals today,” he said.
He further warned that users often act in haste without verifying the authenticity of online contacts. “People must always cross-check service providers through official websites or verified sources before making any payment or sharing financial details,” he added.
Police officials confirmed that digital evidence, including transaction trails and WhatsApp communication, is being analysed to trace the culprits. Authorities are also trying to identify the bank accounts where the stolen money was transferred and whether the fraud is linked to a larger organised network.
Experts advise that under no circumstances should individuals share sensitive banking information such as credit card numbers, CVV codes, or OTPs with unknown persons. Immediate reporting of suspicious transactions to banks and cybercrime helplines can significantly reduce financial losses.
As the investigation continues, officials believe that technical evidence may soon lead to the identification of the accused. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how even a small lapse in caution can result in significant financial damage in today’s increasingly digital world, where cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit human trust.
