Senior Citizens Targeted in ATM Fraud: Three Cases Reported in Pune
Senior Citizens Targeted in ATM Fraud: Three Cases Reported in Pune
Pune has witnessed a surge in fraudulent activities targeting senior citizens withdrawing money from ATMs. In three recent cases registered at Lashkar, Kothrud, and Sahakarnagar police stations, fraudsters deceived elderly individuals under the pretext of helping them, stealing their ATM cards and PINs to withdraw large sums of money.
In the first incident at an ATM in East Street, Lashkar, a senior citizen from Kondhwa was duped on February 2. A fraudster followed him inside the ATM, offered assistance, and managed to obtain his ATM card and PIN. When the transaction failed, the fraudster pretended the ATM was malfunctioning and left. Later, ₹11,500 was withdrawn from the victim’s account. The fraud was discovered on February 8, leading to a police complaint.
In another case at an ATM on Paud Road, Anandnagar, a senior woman from Income Tax Colony, Kothrud, lost ₹1 lakh. The fraudster stole her ATM card and withdrew cash. A complaint was registered at Kothrud police station, and Assistant Police Inspector Sandeep Pawar is investigating.
The most significant fraud occurred in Dhanakwadi, where a senior citizen withdrawing money at an ATM in Teen Hatti Chowk was scammed out of ₹3.55 lakh. The fraudster swapped the victim’s ATM card and withdrew the amount before fleeing. A case was filed at Sahakarnagar police station, with Sub-Inspector S.D. Fakir handling the investigation.
Authorities urge citizens to stay vigilant and seek official assistance at ATMs when needed.
