Pune continues to witness a surge in fraud cases where individuals are lured with promises of high returns in cryptocurrency and the stock market. Recently, a resident lost INR 650,000 to a cryptocurrency scam, while another was defrauded of INR 300,000 in a stock market scheme.

A 41-year-old resident from the Comfort Zone area of Mhalunge Balewadi lodged a complaint at the Chatuhshrungi Police Station.

Cyber fraudsters added this person to a WhatsApp group and then instructed them to contact a Telegram ID. They promised high commissions from selling cryptocurrency and asked the individual to deposit money into a bank account.

The complainant deposited a total of INR 641,000 over time, but the fraudsters disappeared without providing any returns.

Woman from Pashan-Sus Defrauded of INR 1.25 Million

A 40-year-old woman from the Pashan-Sus Road area was defrauded of INR 1.252 million. Cyber fraudsters colluded to contact her via WhatsApp, gained her trust, and sent her a link through the Telegram app.

They promised high profits from shares and the Amazon Affiliate Program and asked her to deposit money into a bank account. The woman deposited INR 1.252 million but received no returns.

She lodged a complaint at the Chaturshringi Police Station, and a case has been registered against the cyber fraudsters.

Pune is witnessing a significant increase in online fraud cases, with over 1,000 complaints filed with the cyber police from January to June 30, 2024. According to police reports, these cases have resulted in financial losses exceeding ₹98 crore.

In the past six months, the cyber police have received a total of 1,894 complaints of cyber fraud. Out of these, 669 complaints have been successfully addressed by the cyber police.