Cyber Thieves Cheat Pune Citizens of Rs 75 Lakh Promising Work-from-Home, Online Tasks Etc
Pune, 3rd December 2024: Cyber thieves continue to exploit unsuspecting citizens with various deceptive tactics, leading to significant financial losses. In a series of incidents, four victims have been cheated of a total of Rs 75 lakh. The police have registered cases against the culprits, and investigations are underway.
In one such incident, a young man from Kothrud lost Rs 25 lakh and one thousand rupees after being lured into an online stock market investment scheme. The victim was initially contacted by the thieves, who posed as representatives from a company called “Finvest.” They promised substantial returns from stock market investments. Trusting the fraudulent offer, the victim transferred money into the thieves’ bank account multiple times. Initially, the victim received small refunds, which further convinced him of the scheme’s legitimacy. However, after depositing the money, the thieves switched off their mobile number, leaving the youth stranded. Realizing he had been scammed, the victim filed a complaint with the Kothrud police station. Crime Branch Police Inspector Vikram Singh Kadam is leading the investigation.
Another victim, a woman from Vishrantwadi, was tricked into handing over Rs 42 lakh 12 thousand after being offered a work-from-home opportunity. The thieves contacted her via text message on October 15, claiming that she could earn good money working online from home. The woman was asked to transfer money into a bank account under the guise of processing her online work. After making several payments, she did not receive any returns, and the perpetrators ceased communication. The Vishrantwadi police have registered a case, with Police Inspector Yuvraj Hande of the Crime Branch handling the investigation.
In Bibvewadi, another victim was cheated out of Rs 6 lakh 37 thousand under the pretense of an online task. The Bibvewadi police have filed a case, with Senior Police Inspector Shankar Salunkhe conducting the investigation.
In a separate case, a woman from Bibvewadi was defrauded of Rs 3 lakh 5 thousand after receiving a call from thieves claiming that drugs had been found in a courier package addressed to her. The scammers threatened legal action, causing panic, and pressured the woman into transferring the money to avoid police action. Upon realizing she had been duped, the woman reported the incident to the police. Police Inspector Manoj Kumar Londhe of the Crime Branch is investigating this case.
