Pune Cyber Fraud Cases: Residents Lose Lakhs in Digital Arrest Threats, Fake Challans and Crypto Investment Scams
Pune, 10th November 2026: Several cases of cyber fraud have come to light in Pune, where fraudsters allegedly cheated citizens of lakhs of rupees using different tactics, including digital arrest threats, false allegations of drug trafficking, cryptocurrency investment offers and fake traffic challans.
In one case, a 75-year-old woman from Karvenagar was allegedly cheated of ₹32 lakh after cyber fraudsters threatened her with arrest in connection with a financial fraud case involving a bank in Nashik.
According to Warje Police, the woman received a call from cyber fraudsters on November 6. The callers claimed that a case had been registered against her in connection with an alleged financial fraud of ₹2 crore involving a bank in Nashik. They further claimed that the money involved in the fraud had been transferred to her bank account.
The fraudsters threatened her with a so-called digital arrest and warned that her property would be seized. They demanded immediate payment to prevent her arrest. Under pressure, the woman transferred ₹32 lakh to the fraudsters’ bank accounts through RTGS transactions over two to three days.
After receiving the money, the fraudsters demanded additional payments. The woman became suspicious and realised that she had been cheated. A case has been registered at Warje Police Station. Police Inspector Suvarna Hulwan of the Crime Branch is investigating the matter.
Man Cheated of ₹5.20 Lakh Over Fake Drug Trafficking Allegations
In another incident, a resident of Ambegaon Budruk was allegedly cheated of ₹5.20 lakh after cyber fraudsters threatened to arrest him in a drug trafficking case.
According to the complaint filed at Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station, the fraudsters contacted the victim while posing as officials from the Department of Telecommunications in Delhi. They claimed that his mobile number had been used for drug trafficking and threatened him with arrest.
The fraudsters then demanded money to prevent legal action. The victim transferred ₹5.20 lakh to their bank accounts. After realising that he had been cheated, he approached the police. Police Inspector Rangrao Pawar of the Crime Branch is investigating the case.
Businessman Loses ₹5.13 Lakh in Cryptocurrency Investment Scam
A young businessman was allegedly cheated of ₹5.13 lakh after cyber fraudsters lured him with promises of lucrative returns through cryptocurrency investments.
According to the complaint filed at Bibwewadi Police Station, the fraudsters contacted the victim and offered him an opportunity to invest in virtual currency. Trusting their promises, he transferred money to the accounts provided by them. However, he did not receive the promised returns.
Bibwewadi Police have registered a case, and Senior Police Inspector Ashwini Satpute is investigating the matter.
Businessman Cheated of ₹6.81 Lakh Through Fake Traffic Challan
In another case, a businessman residing in a society along Pune-Satara Road was allegedly cheated of ₹6.81 lakh through a fake traffic challan.
According to the complaint filed at Swargate Police Station, cyber fraudsters sent him a fraudulent traffic violation challan and threatened him with legal action if the fine was not paid.
The fraudsters allegedly obtained his bank account details and misused the information to withdraw money from his account. The amount was subsequently transferred to another bank account.
Police Inspector Vikas Bharmal of the Crime Branch is investigating the case.
The incidents highlight the growing use of digital arrest threats, impersonation, fake investment schemes and fraudulent traffic challans by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting citizens.
