In a shocking case of online deception, a Pune-based contractor lost Rs 11 lakh after falling for a fraudulent advertisement posted by a supposed woman seeking a man to impregnate her. The victim, believing the ad to be genuine, responded promptly and was immediately drawn into a web of escalating financial demands. Cybercriminals masquerading as intermediaries demanded upfront payments for fabricated charges such as "initial fees," "membership fees," "privacy fees," and other vague expenses, insisting that the "arrangement" could not proceed without full compliance.

The scam unfolded systematically: each payment was framed as a prerequisite for the next step, creating a false sense of progress and urgency. Over multiple transactions, the man transferred the entire Rs 11 lakh to various accounts provided by the fraudsters. Communication abruptly ceased once the money was exhausted, leaving the victim to realize he had been duped. He promptly filed a police complaint, prompting authorities to launch an investigation aimed at tracing the digital footprints and identifying the perpetrators behind the elaborate con.

Pune Police have issued stern warnings against responding to suspicious online advertisements, particularly those involving personal or intimate services. Officials emphasized that such ads are often bait designed to exploit emotional vulnerabilities. "People must verify the authenticity of any online interaction before transferring money," a senior officer stated, adding that the case is being probed under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and Indian Penal Code.

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This incident is part of a broader surge in cyber frauds, including the notorious "digital arrest" scams. In a related case, a 78-year-old retired Central government employee from Hyderabad was swindled of Rs 51 lakh by a fraudster posing as a Mumbai police officer, falsely claiming the victim's SIM card was linked to bomb blasts and kidnappings. Similarly, a 73-year-old woman from the same city lost Rs 1.43 crore earlier this month under identical pretenses, with scammers coercing victims into isolating themselves and transferring nearly all their savings under threats of legal action.

Authorities urge citizens to report suspicious calls or messages immediately to the national cybercrime helpline (1930) and avoid sharing financial details under duress. As digital scams grow more sophisticated, experts stress the importance of skepticism and third-party verification to safeguard against financial and emotional exploitation.

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