Pune: Google Search Becomes a New Tool for Cybercriminals—What Recent Cases at Hinjawadi and Kalewadi Police Stations Reveal

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 7th July 2025: Google Search has emerged as a new weapon for cyber criminals, as recent cases registered with Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, particularly at the Hinjawadi and Kalewadi Police Stations, indicate a troubling pattern. People who blindly trust search results without verifying them have become victims of fraud.

In one such incident from Hinjawadi about a month ago, a man looking to repair his refrigerator searched on Google and contacted a number listed in an advertisement. Unbeknownst to him, cyber criminals had infiltrated search results with fake contact details. A so-called technician visited his home, performed some misleading “repairs,” and charged a hefty fee. The man later realized he had been duped and filed a complaint at the Hinjawadi Police Station, following which one accused was arrested.

In another incident from Kalewadi, a woman who had purchased bangles from Meesho found them unsatisfactory and initiated a return. After a month passed without any representative coming to collect the item, she searched for a helpline number on Google. She called the number listed and was manipulated into believing that a refund would only be processed after she made an initial transaction. She shared her bank details, after which Rs 59,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from her account. She has registered a complaint at the Kalewadi Police Station.

How Do Cyber Criminals Operate?

Cyber criminals exploit human psychology and trust. By using words like “authorised” in their websites and ads, they create a false sense of legitimacy. Google does not verify these claims for general services, and fraudsters portray themselves as official representatives. Once contacted, they use various deceptive techniques to extract personal and financial information.

According to cyber police, these criminals also develop fake websites that mimic shopping platforms, service centers, or banks, often with minor changes in spelling or font. When people call these numbers, they’re tricked into sharing confidential details like bank account numbers and OTPs. The fraudsters may also get victims to install remote-access apps like AnyDesk, gaining access to mobile devices, photos, videos, and bank data. These materials are sometimes used for blackmail, with demands ranging from money to coercion into inappropriate acts.

The alarming fact is that even highly educated individuals are falling into these traps.

Precautions While Using Google Search

– Verify the name and logo of the company you are searching.
– Be cautious if “Ad” appears in the search result—this may be paid and unauthenticated.
– Cross-check contact numbers from official websites or reliable sources.
– Do not click on suspicious links or popups.
– Avoid entering personal or bank-related information unless on trusted platforms.
– Always choose the cash-on-delivery option when shopping on unfamiliar websites, and avoid paying money upfront on any e-commerce sites you are not sure about.

Advice from the Cyber Police

Assistant Police Inspector Praveen Swami of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police Station advised, “Before downloading any app, consult an expert to understand its actual purpose. While installing apps, be mindful of the permissions requested, especially access to photos, videos, and contacts. Unreliable apps can misuse your data. Avoid downloading third-party apps. Even on the Play Store, check app ratings and user feedback. Only download apps that seem safe and verified.”

Cyber police urge citizens to remain vigilant while using online platforms and to report any suspicious activity immediately.