Pune cyber fraud: Scammers posing as CBI officers cheat woman of ₹2.75 lakh
Pune cyber fraud: Scammers posing as CBI officers cheat woman of ₹2.75 lakh
A woman in Pune was duped of ₹2.75 lakh by fraudsters impersonating CBI officers who falsely accused her of money laundering. Police are investigating the case.
Pune, November 27, 2025 – A woman in the city lost ₹2.75 lakh after falling victim to cybercriminals who pretended to be officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation. The callers told her she was involved in a money-laundering case and would face arrest if she did not follow their instructions. Using fear and urgency, they convinced her to transfer money to accounts they claimed were part of an “investigation process.” Believing the threat to be real, she made the payment, only to later realise she had been deceived.
Shocked by what happened, she approached the local police and lodged a complaint. Investigators reviewed the details and confirmed that the callers were fraudsters using a common impersonation tactic. Officers explained that scammers often target victims by claiming their identity or bank details are linked to criminal activity. They then scare the victim into sending money to “verify,” “secure,” or “clear” their records. Police stressed that no government agency, including the CBI, ever demands payments or settlement amounts over the phone.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in such impersonation scams across Pune. Criminals have been using similar methods to trap people, often pretending to be from enforcement agencies or cyber cells. In another case earlier this month, a senior citizen lost a large sum after being told he was under investigation and would be digitally arrested if he did not comply. These incidents have pushed police to issue repeated warnings, urging citizens not to panic if they receive such calls and to verify the identity of callers using official numbers.
Cyber-crime officers say scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach. They use voice-over-internet calls, fake case numbers, scripted threats and even forged identity cards to appear legitimate. Many victims fall prey because they panic and act before cross-checking. Police say that calmly disconnecting the call, contacting a local police station, or calling a government helpline can prevent major financial loss.
In the present case, police are tracking the phone numbers used by the fraudsters and examining the bank accounts where the money was transferred. Investigators believe the criminals may be part of a larger network operating across multiple states. The transfers were done in quick succession, making it harder to trace, but officers say they are following the digital trail.
The incident has triggered discussions in the neighbourhood about safety, awareness and the rising threat of cybercrime. Many residents say they had heard of frauds happening in other parts of the city but never imagined how easily someone could be intimidated into transferring money. The case has prompted calls for more awareness drives, especially for people who may not be familiar with digital risks or official procedures.
Police have urged people to remain alert and share information about such scams. They emphasised that no enforcement agency communicates legal action through random phone calls and that any call demanding money should be treated as an immediate red flag. The department also advised people to avoid sharing personal information, OTPs or financial details with unknown callers.
The investigation is ongoing, and officers expect to uncover more clues as they track the suspects. For now, the incident stands as another reminder of the importance of caution in an increasingly digital environment, where a moment of fear or confusion can be exploited by fraudsters.
