Cybercrime and fraud incidents reported in Maharashtra

Two separate incidents of financial fraud have been reported in Maharashtra, India, involving elderly victims.

In Pune, an 84-year-old retired Indian Air Force officer lost ₹4.5 lakh to cybercriminals. The fraudsters contacted the victim via video call, posing as bank officials offering assistance with the annual pension Life Certificate process. They directed the officer to an online form via a messaging application that contained remote-access software. After the victim submitted his personal and banking credentials, the perpetrators transferred the funds from his account. Police are currently investigating the money trail.

In Dhule, an elderly man, Vishnupant Damodar Devde, died by suicide after being defrauded of ₹1 lakh through mobile phone scams. According to police reports, suspects gained the victim's trust through false promises before taking the money. Following his death, the victim's nephew was allegedly assaulted and robbed of ₹22,000 while attempting to recover the funds. A case has been filed against four suspects in the Dhule Taluka police station.