Pune: Cybercriminals continue to target Pune residents with fraudulent investment schemes and phishing scams, leading to significant financial losses. In one recent case, a senior citizen from Kothrud lost ₹19 lakh after falling for a fake stock market investment scheme. Another 73-year-old from the same area was deceived into losing ₹39,000.
High-Return Scams on the Rise
A 50-year-old Hadapsar resident was promised a 15% profit within a day on stock market investments. Tempted by the offer, he transferred ₹9.40 lakh but never received any returns. Following his complaint, Wanwadi police have registered a case. Similar cases continue to surface, highlighting the growing menace of financial cyber fraud.
Senior Citizen Loses ₹7.47 Lakh in Fake Gas Bill Scam
A 79-year-old man from Baner’s Dhankude Vasti received a message warning that his MNGL gas connection would be disconnected due to non-payment of dues. The fraudsters sent a link asking him to install an APK file for payment. Once installed, they gained access to his mobile and withdrew ₹7.47 lakh from his bank account.
Fraud Cases Registered on March 13
Several cyber fraud cases were registered in Pune on March 13 alone:
A 42-year-old man from Dhankawadi was tricked into investing ₹3.88 lakh in a stock market scheme.
A 47-year-old woman from Bhidewadi lost ₹4.18 lakh after being lured with high commissions.
A 28-year-old man from Narhe was scammed out of ₹6 lakh in an online task fraud.
Steep Rise in Cyber Fraud Cases
Data from Pune Cyber Police shows a sharp increase in cases of fraudulent stock market investment schemes and online task scams over the years:
Stock Market Fraud Cases
Year: Cases Registered
2023: 6
2024: 130
2025: 17 (Till March 11)
Online Task Scam Cases
Year: Cases Registered
2023: 31
2024 :14
2025: 2 (Till March 11)
Police Urge Citizens to Stay Alert
Cyber police officials emphasize that legitimate investments do not offer overnight high returns. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions to avoid cyber fraud:
Avoid joining unknown Telegram or WhatsApp groups.
Change phone settings to restrict who can add you to groups.
Only use official apps of reputed companies for trading.
Verify registered brokers on SEBI’s website.
Do not install APK files from unverified sources.
Where to Report Cyber Frauds
If you fall victim to cyber fraud, immediately report the incident to Pune’s Cyber Police:
Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
Police Contact Numbers: 7058719375 / 7058719371
Online Complaint Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
Email: crimecyber.pune@nic.in
Cyber Police Station Address: Shivajinagar, Pune
