Pune: Cyber fraudsters duped a woman from Pashan area of ₹13.23 lakh by falsely accusing her of involvement in black money transactions. The incident, reported at Baner Police Station, has raised concerns about the growing trend of scams involving threats of 'digital arrests.'

The victim, a resident of Pashan, was contacted on January 2 by individuals claiming to be from the Mumbai Crime Branch. They accused her of being linked to illegal black money transactions through her bank account. Exploiting fear of legal action, the scammers demanded an immediate payment to avoid a "digital arrest."

Believing their claims, the woman transferred ₹13.23 lakh to a specified bank account. It was only later that she realized she had been defrauded. Acting on her complaint, the Baner Police have registered a case against the unidentified scammers. Senior Police Inspector Navnath Jagtap is leading the investigation.

The scam involving threats of 'digital arrest' is part of a growing trend in which fraudsters exploit public fear of law enforcement. Using a variety of tactics, such as fake claims of legal action or law enforcement penalties, cybercriminals have targeted unsuspecting victims across the region.

The Cyber Police have issued an advisory urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid responding to such fraudulent calls or messages. They have emphasized that law enforcement agencies do not demand money over the phone or threaten individuals with immediate arrests. Citizens are encouraged to verify such claims with local authorities and report any suspicious activities.