Pune IT Analyst Defrauded of Rs 11.52 Lakh in Sophisticated Cyber Impersonation Scam
In a distressing case of cybercrime, fraudsters impersonating an IT engineer from the United Kingdom, officials from the customs department, and officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi allegedly cheated an IT data analyst from Pune of Rs 11.52 lakh. The elaborate scam unfolded between December last year and January this year, with the criminals threatening the victim with arrest in a fabricated drug trafficking and illegal activity case.
Victim Lodges Complaint with Loni Kalbhor Police
The victim, a resident of Kawadipath in Pune who works with an IT company in Hadapsar, filed a formal complaint with the Loni Kalbhor police on Saturday. Senior inspector Rajendra Panhale of the Loni Kalbhor police provided detailed insights into the case, highlighting the methodical approach employed by the fraudsters to exploit the victim's fears and extract money.
How the Cyber Fraud Unfolded Step by Step
Initial Contact and False Promises: The victim had an account on a social media platform where, on December 5 last year, the suspects initiated contact. They befriended her and began regular communication. One of the fraudsters claimed to be a software engineer based in the UK, building a rapport with the victim. To gain her trust, this individual later promised to send her an expensive mobile phone as a gift, setting the stage for the subsequent threats.
Threats from Impersonated Officials: Shortly after the promise of the gift, the victim received a call from another fraudster posing as a customs officer. This impersonator informed her that she was involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. He alleged that a parcel arriving at the Delhi airport, bearing her name as the recipient, contained contraband substances, thereby instilling panic and confusion.
Escalation to Fake CBI Involvement: The so-called customs official then escalated the situation by claiming that the CBI had taken over the case for further investigation. Following this, another suspect called the victim, impersonating a CBI officer. To make the threat appear legitimate, this fraudster sent her a fake and fabricated First Information Report (FIR) that named her as an accused in the case, explicitly threatening her with imminent arrest if she did not comply with their demands.
Financial Extortion Under False Pretenses: The fraudsters then demanded money from the victim under the pretext of covering customs duties and court charges. They assured her that they would assist in resolving the case if she made the payments. Under intense pressure and fear of legal consequences, the victim eventually sold her personal jewellery and exhausted her entire savings to transfer the demanded funds to the suspects, resulting in a total loss of Rs 11.52 lakh.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
Senior inspector Rajendra Panhale emphasized that the Loni Kalbhor police are actively investigating the case to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. This incident underscores the growing sophistication of cyber fraud schemes, where criminals use psychological manipulation and impersonation of authoritative figures to exploit victims. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and verify any unsolicited communications claiming legal or official involvement, especially those demanding money or personal information.
