Pune: City has witnessed a surge in online fraud cases, with losses exceeding ₹19 lakh reported across multiple incidents. Victims were duped through various tactics, including fake job offers, investment scams, and fraudulent app downloads.
In a shocking incident, a Kondhwa Khurd resident, Tausif Rahim Pirosh (32), lost ₹1,99,282 after downloading the Skype app. An unknown individual contacted Pirosh, convincing him to install the app and connect. Soon after, the amount vanished from his account. A case has been registered at Kondhwa Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigations are ongoing.
Nasruddin Khan (49), a resident of Kondhwa Budruk, fell prey to an online scam promising work-from-home opportunities. An unidentified caller asked him to join a Telegram group and promised financial benefits for completing tasks and giving reviews. Khan was persuaded to transfer ₹95,970 to multiple bank accounts. However, after the transaction, the fraudsters ceased communication. A complaint has been lodged at Kondhwa Police Station, and the case is under investigation.
In two separate incidents, victims were duped under the pretext of stock market investments.
Kalepadal Case: Qayum Allauddin Maner (36) from Undri was tricked into transferring ₹5,67,000 after being approached by a fraudster posing as a share trading agent. The fraudster’s number was later switched off.
Wanawadi Case: Vishal Rajendra Singh (37) from Azad Nagar, Wanawadi, lost ₹4,97,500 in a similar scam. He was convinced to transfer funds into various accounts but lost contact with the fraudster afterward.
Both incidents have been reported to the respective police stations, and cases have been registered against unknown suspects.
In another major fraud, Shrihari Gaikwad (35) from Sasane Nagar, Hadapsar, was cheated of ₹10,80,800. The victim was promised a part-time job and asked to complete online tasks with the assurance of additional profits. Trusting the fraudsters, Gaikwad transferred the amount to multiple accounts. Later, all contact with the scammer ceased, and the fraudster’s mobile number was deactivated. Kalepadal Police are investigating the case.
The police have registered cases under relevant sections and are investigating each incident. They have urged the public to remain vigilant against such frauds, avoid sharing personal information or making payments without verification, and report suspicious activities promptly.
