Pune Woman Duped of ₹2.5 Crore in Cyber Scam; Forced to Send Selfies Every Two Hours

A 70-year-old woman from Kothrud was duped of ₹2.5 crore by cyber fraudsters who posed as officials from the Maharashtra Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The criminals tricked her into believing that she was involved in a money laundering case linked to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. They pressured her into making multiple fund transfers and even forced her to upload selfies every two hours, claiming she was under ‘digital arrest.’  

In the second week of February, the woman received a call from a man posing as a Nashik police officer. He told her that a bank account in Nashik, allegedly linked to her, had been used in Goyal’s money laundering case. When she denied any involvement, the caller intensified her fears and asked for her bank details.  

Shortly after, another person contacted her, claiming to be an officer from Gangapur police station. He told her that she may have been framed in the case and offered help.  

Within days, the woman received a fake ED notice stating that she was under ‘digital arrest’ and was being monitored. The fraudsters ordered her to upload her selfies every two hours as proof of compliance.  

They convinced her that she needed to transfer her funds to a ‘government account’ for verification. To make their claims seem legitimate, they sent fake documents and emails.  

Between February 19 and March 10, the woman transferred money 74 times from two bank accounts. The fraudsters even forced her to break her Fixed Deposits (FDs) and withdraw investments.  

When she asked for her money back, they cut all contact. Her calls and messages went unanswered. Realizing she had been cheated, she approached the Cyber Crime Cell.  

Initial investigations suggest that international cyber gangs are behind such scams. These gangs launder money through ‘mule accounts’ and transfer it abroad using cryptocurrency.  

The Home Ministry had earlier warned about such ‘digital arrest’ scams. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also alerted the public about online fraud in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program.  

How to Avoid Such Scams

– Verify Authorities: Do not trust unknown callers claiming to be officials. Contact the local police or Cyber Crime Department immediately.  

– Protect Banking Information: Never share confidential banking details with anyone.  

– Avoid Fake Notices: Cross-check any suspicious emails or legal notices on official websites.  

– Be Cautious with Financial Transactions: If someone demands money for a ‘government inquiry,’ it is likely a scam.  

– Use the Cyber Crime Helpline: Call 1930 or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal if you suspect fraud.