Pune Sees Rise in Cyber Frauds Targeting Senior Citizens Over Fake MNGL Bills
Pune Sees Rise in Cyber Frauds Targeting Senior Citizens Over Fake MNGL Bills
PUNE: The city has witnessed a worrying increase in cyber frauds targeting senior citizens, with scammers exploiting fake Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) bill notifications to steal significant sums of money. Recent cases reveal how these frauds have caused substantial financial losses among the elderly.
In July, an 88-year-old woman was tricked into losing ₹9.5 lakh after responding to a fraudulent WhatsApp message. In a similar incident in August, an 83-year-old Indian Air Force veteran lost ₹3.6 lakh while he was abroad in Australia. Additionally, an 82-year-old retired engineer fell victim to scammers who persuaded him to download a remote access application, leading to a loss of ₹7.6 lakh.
Since May 2024, the Pune City Cyber Crime Police have registered 16 cases connected to this scam, with losses exceeding ₹1.06 crore. The modus operandi resembles earlier electricity bill scams reported in 2022-23, though many individuals now recognize the signs. Unfortunately, some elderly citizens continue to fall prey.
According to Senior Inspector scammers impersonate customer service representatives, gaining remote access to victims’ phones and stealing funds. MNGL has issued warnings, advising customers to stay vigilant when making online payments.
Authorities emphasize the need to educate senior citizens about cyber security and encourage victims to report incidents to local police promptly.
