Pune: Online frauds continue unchecked, 4 more people in Pune fall prey to the lure of easy income
PUNE, May 27, 2023: In a concerning string of recent cyber frauds, three software engineers and a computer programming language student from Pune have reportedly been deceived out of a total of Rs 36.11 lakh.
The incidents occurred as part of a rising trend of online task frauds, with cybercriminals specifically targeting those working from home or seeking part-time jobs online.
The four victims have collectively lost substantial amounts, with cases filed at various police stations across Pune. The Warje Malwadi police station is investigating two cases, with one each being examined by the Hinjewadi and Chinchwad police.
Senior inspector Krishnadev Kharade of the Chinchwad police explained how these scams typically play out, using a recent case involving a 28-year-old IT professional. The victim was approached with a supposed part-time job that involved rating hotels online. After successfully completing tasks and receiving initial payments, the individual was then manipulated into investing more money for prepaid tasks, resulting in a loss of Rs 10.95 lakh.
A similar case was reported at the Hinjewadi police station, where a 27-year-old software engineer was promised a 30% commission for following celebrities on a social media platform. She quickly transferred Rs 8.75 lakh in the hope of earning more but was instead cheated out of her money.
In Warje, a 31-year-old senior software developer became a victim of a similar scam. After being tricked into transferring Rs 140 lakh to reactivate her account, she lost Rs 8.72 lakh.
Additionally, the online fraudsters have not spared students. A 23-year-old student lost Rs 7.69 lakh, emptying his bank account and even using his brothers’ accounts to transfer money.
Authorities are now warning citizens to be cautious of online part-time job offers and to avoid transferring money to unverified accounts. The police are currently working to retrieve the victims’ lost money and bring the culprits to justice. Investigations are still ongoing.
