76-Year-Old Woman from Pune Duped of ₹74 Lakh in Sophisticated Cyber Fraud
A 76-year-old resident of Shaniwar Peth was tricked into transferring ₹74 lakh in a fake money-laundering probe scam, police register FIR.
Pune | November 5, 2025: In a shocking case of cyber exploitation, a 76-year-old woman residing in the Shaniwar Peth area of Pune was defrauded of ₹74 lakh after fraudsters convinced her that she was under investigation for money-laundering.
The ruse began on 18 September 2025, when the victim received a phone call from unknown individuals posing as officials of a central investigation agency. They alleged that her bank account had been linked to illegal financial transactions and warned her of imminent arrest unless she cooperated.
Under pressure and fearing prosecution, the woman complied with the demands. Between 18 September and 8 October, she transferred the ₹74 lakh in multiple tranches to accounts designated by the fraudsters, believing she was helping clear her name.
She realised she had been duped only after the fraudsters ceased communication. The victim then approached the Cyber Police Station and filed a complaint. Police have registered a case under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, and an investigation is ongoing to trace and recover the funds.
Cyber-crime experts say this case illustrates a recurring pattern: offenders posing as law-enforcement officials (such as the Enforcement Directorate or other agencies) threaten victims with arrest or legal trouble, then coerce them into transferring large sums under false pretexts. The use of elderly persons as targets is especially concerning because they may be more vulnerable to intimidation.
Authorities are once again urging citizens—especially senior citizens—to never respond to unsolicited calls from people claiming to be officials, never transfer money under threats of arrest, and to verify official credentials through trusted sources. If in doubt, they should immediately contact the national cyber-crime helpline (1930) or their local cyber-police station.
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