Pune Housewife Defrauded of Rs 6.82 Lakh in Elaborate Online Shopping Scam
A 45-year-old housewife from Pune has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing a staggering Rs 6.82 lakh after placing a simple cash-on-delivery order for a dress priced at just Rs 1,700. The incident, which highlights the growing menace of digital payment scams, has prompted police action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
The Deceptive Order and Initial Contact
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Chatushrungi police station on February 3, the victim, a resident of an apartment near Parihar Chowk in Aundh, selected a dress from the popular brand Biba's official website on December 24, 2025. She opted for the cash-on-delivery payment mode, expecting to pay upon receipt of the garment.
The very next day, she received a call from an individual claiming to be a Biba employee. The caller informed her that the delivery address was incorrectly shown as Nashik, preventing the dress from being dispatched to her Pune location. To resolve this issue, the fraudster sent her a QR code and instructed her to make an online payment of Rs 1,700.05, assuring her that the dress would be delivered through an alternative "delivery partner." Trusting the caller, the victim complied with the request.
The Escalating Fraud and Financial Drain
Within a mere 15 minutes, the scammer contacted her again, alleging that she had made an incorrect payment. He claimed the correct amount was Rs 1,700.50, not Rs 1,700.05, and asked her to resend the money, promising a full refund of the initial transaction. The woman, seeking to secure her order, transferred Rs 1,700.50 via a UPI transaction.
This pattern of deception continued relentlessly. The fraudsters repeatedly called the victim, each time asserting that the payment had not been received and instructing her to transfer more money to different bank accounts. They provided false assurances that all previous payments would be refunded promptly.
Between December 25 and December 26, the victim was manipulated into conducting 10 online transactions, totaling Rs 6,82,024.05. Shockingly, five of these transactions exceeded Rs 90,000 each. Despite the substantial sums transferred, the Biba dress was never delivered, exposing the elaborate nature of the scam.
Suspicion Arises and Police Complaint Filed
On December 27, the victim received yet another call from a man posing as a Biba staffer, who demanded an additional Rs 2 lakh, again promising refunds. At this point, the woman grew suspicious and discussed the matter with her husband, who immediately recognized that she had been cheated.
She subsequently filed a formal complaint at the Cyber Police Station of Pune City Police on December 28, 2025. After thorough verification, an FIR was officially registered on February 3. The police have booked unidentified persons under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 318(4) and 319(2), along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, reflecting the seriousness of the offense.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
The victim's detailed statement has been recorded, and an intensive investigation is currently underway. Law enforcement authorities are actively probing the mobile phone numbers and bank accounts utilized by the fraudsters to trace their identities and modus operandi.
This case underscores the critical need for public vigilance in the digital age. Scammers are increasingly exploiting trust in reputable brands and manipulating victims through persistent communication and false refund promises. Consumers are advised to verify any unsolicited payment requests directly with official company channels and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers.
The Pune police's proactive response highlights their commitment to combating cybercrime, but it also serves as a stark reminder that such frauds can target anyone, regardless of their familiarity with online shopping. As digital transactions become more prevalent, awareness and caution remain the best defenses against such predatory schemes.
