Cyber Crime Wave Hits Pune: 42 Online Fraud Cases Reported in a Single Day

Pune, 20th July 2026: Pune witnessed a sharp surge in cybercrime on Monday, with the Cyber Police and various police stations across the city registering 42 cyber fraud cases in a single day. The incidents included online investment scams, cryptocurrency task frauds, forex trading scams, and unauthorized access to bank accounts, resulting in losses worth several lakhs of rupees.

According to the police, one of the biggest frauds was reported from Kothrud, where a resident was allegedly cheated of ₹62.43 lakh in an online investment scam. Investigators are examining the financial transactions and tracing the bank accounts used by the accused.

In another case registered at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station, cybercriminals allegedly gained unauthorized access to the net banking credentials of a 50-year-old man and illegally transferred ₹16.50 lakh from his bank account without his knowledge.

A separate incident was reported from Baner, where a 78-year-old senior citizen was allegedly duped of ₹6.11 lakh after fraudsters lured the victim with promises of high returns through a forex trading investment scheme. Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim transferred the money before later realising it was a scam.

Police said many of these frauds involved the use of mule bank accounts—accounts used by cybercriminals to receive proceeds from fraudulent transactions. The money is then quickly withdrawn through ATMs or transferred across multiple accounts, making it difficult for investigators to trace the funds.

The Cyber Police have launched investigations into all 42 cases and are analysing digital evidence, banking records, and transaction details to identify those involved. Authorities are also working to trace the beneficiaries of the fraudulent transactions and recover the stolen money wherever possible.

Police have advised citizens to remain vigilant while investing through online platforms and to avoid sharing banking credentials, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or other sensitive financial information with unknown individuals. They have also urged the public to verify the authenticity of investment schemes before transferring money and to immediately report suspicious online activities to the Cyber Police or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Further investigation into all the cases is underway.