Pune Retired Teacher Loses Rs 28 Lakh in Sophisticated Online Scam
A 62-year-old retired teacher from Pune has become the victim of a meticulously planned online fraud, losing a staggering Rs 28 lakh over a period of more than one-and-a-half years. The elaborate scam involved fraudsters posing as a gynaecologist from London and customs officials, who manipulated the victim through social media and phone calls.
How the Scam Unfolded
The incident began when the retired teacher connected with a man on a social media platform. After exchanging phone numbers, they began regular conversations. The suspect presented himself as a widowed gynaecologist based in London, claiming to have a nine-year-old daughter.
In April 2024, the situation escalated dramatically. The fraudster contacted the victim, informing her that he had traveled to India with his daughter. He claimed that customs officials at New Delhi airport had detained him because he was carrying a large amount of cash.
The suspect told the victim that officials were holding his daughter in a hotel and demanded Rs 5 lakh for his release. He pleaded with the woman to lend him the money, insisting he knew no one else in India and promising to repay her immediately upon release.
The Customs Official Impersonation
Shortly after this initial contact, another individual entered the picture, posing as a customs official. This second fraudster spoke with the victim, confirming the story and urging her to transfer the money, assuring her that her "friend" would repay it promptly.
The victim transferred Rs 60,000 to a bank account provided by the scammers. This initial payment opened the floodgates for what would become a prolonged financial exploitation.
Continuous Financial Drain
From April 2024 through November 2025, the fraudsters continued to extract money from the retired teacher using various fabricated emergencies. They claimed the daughter had fallen ill, required hospital admission, and that they faced escalating legal troubles.
Over this 19-month period, the victim transferred a total of Rs 27.72 lakh to multiple bank accounts provided by the scammers. Remarkably, she kept these transactions secret from her husband throughout the entire ordeal.
Discovery and Police Complaint
The scam only came to light in February when the victim's daughter overheard her arguing with someone on the phone. Concerned, the daughter persuaded her mother to confide in her, at which point the retired teacher revealed the entire distressing story.
The victim's husband subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Ravet police, who registered a case on Wednesday. Police officials confirmed they are investigating the sophisticated fraud operation that targeted the vulnerable senior citizen.
Warning Signs and Prevention
This case highlights several red flags that citizens should recognize:
- Unsolicited contact from strangers on social media platforms
- Requests for financial assistance from people met only online
- Pressure to transfer money quickly for "emergency" situations
- Multiple individuals involved in coordinating the scam
Police advise citizens to exercise extreme caution when communicating with strangers online, particularly those requesting money or personal financial information. They recommend verifying identities through independent means and consulting family members before making significant financial decisions based on online relationships.
