Pune, February 11, 2024 – Pune’s cybercrime police station has registered an FIR following a complaint from a 46-year-old man who fell prey to a property rental scam orchestrated by a cyber fraudster impersonating an Army officer. This incident highlights a concerning trend where criminals are increasingly posing as military personnel to perpetrate fraudulent activities, exploiting the trust and respect associated with the armed forces.
The victim, who had listed a flat on an online property portal for his brother, received a call in September 2023 from an individual claiming to be an Army officer. The impersonator, fabricating a relocation story to an Army formation in Khadki, engaged in discussions with the victim regarding rental terms, maintenance charges, and the one-time deposit for the property. The victim, trusting the false credentials provided by the fraudster, agreed to the terms.
To further deceive the victim, the impersonator supplied forged documents, including an Army identity card, Army canteen card, and manipulated versions of official documents such as Aadhar Card and PAN Card.
The scam escalated when the impersonator claimed that the Military Administration Department would handle the rental formalities. A subsequent call from an individual posing as a department officer demanded Rs 60,000 to register the victim’s phone number, assuring a refund after registration.
Over several hours, the victim was coerced into transferring a substantial sum of money multiple times, believing the funds had not reached the fraudster. In total, the victim transferred 20.8 lakh rupees. However, upon seeking the return of the funds, the fraudster presented a screenshot showing only 14.3 lakh rupees, exposing the deceit.
Promptly reporting the incident to the cybercrime police station, the victim’s complaint is now under investigation by Senior Inspector Minal Supe Patil. Authorities are diligently working to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the face of evolving cybercrime tactics.
