**Pimpri-Chinchwad Cybercrime: Rs 106 Crore Swindled in 2025 So Far**
In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that cybercriminals have swindled a total of Rs 106.71 crore from Pimpri-Chinchwad residents between January 1 and August 31, 2025. The lure of quick money is proving to be highly dangerous, with an average of 60 cybercrime incidents reported every day within the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC).
The cybercrime portal has received thousands of complaints this year alone. However, police officials claim to have successfully recovered a portion of the defrauded amount.
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### Huge Returns Promised, Millions Duped
A very common form of cybercrime, prevalent for years, involves fraudsters promising huge returns on investments to unsuspecting victims. Many people fall prey to these scams, especially in the stock market domain.
Unaware that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates the stock market and investment intermediaries, victims are easily enticed by criminals posing as financial institutions. These fraudsters create fake digital records or even develop their own apps to falsely show significant returns on investments.
Seeing fabricated profits, victims often increase their investments. Sometimes, cybercriminals initially pay out returns as promised to build trust. However, when victims try to withdraw their money, they are trapped further by demands for additional funds under various pretexts.
This type of fraud remains one of the most prevalent cybercrimes in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
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### Other Common Scams
Cybercriminals employ numerous other tactics to defraud people, including:
– Sending malicious links to gain control of mobile phones.
– SIM swap scams.
– Fake mobile banking applications.
– Impersonating officials to extract OTPs and personal information.
– Posing as customs officials and alleging narcotics trafficking in the victim’s name to create fear.
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### Rs 1 Crore Lost Per Day in 2024
In 2024, over Rs 365 crore were lost to cybercriminals by residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Capturing these criminals posed a major challenge for police. However, with the establishment of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police Station, led by Senior Police Inspector Ravikiran Nale and Assistant Police Inspector Pravin Swami, significant cybercrime rackets have been dismantled.
These efforts have led to multiple arrests across India, significantly disrupting criminal networks. Consequently, the total amount lost to cyber frauds has decreased compared to last year.
While only Rs 3.67 crore were recovered in 2024—a mere 1% recovery rate—the establishment of the cyber police station has improved recovery rates in 2025.
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### Report Early to Avoid Big Losses
Cyber police officials emphasize that early reporting increases the chances of recovering lost funds. Many cyber fraudsters use what police call **‘Mule Accounts’**—accounts owned by unsuspecting residents, often inactive, that criminals temporarily use to collect and transfer fraudulently obtained money, usually onward to foreign accounts beyond the reach of Indian law enforcement.
Police advise victims to file a complaint within the **‘Golden Hour’**—the first hour after the fraud occurs. Immediate reporting allows police to freeze the accounts where the stolen money was transferred, preventing criminals from further moving funds or converting them into cryptocurrencies.
A police official warned,
“Don’t share OTPs, bank details, or personal information with unknown callers. Don’t fall prey to intimidation tactics over phone calls. If anything feels suspicious, contact us or report the matter on 1930 (Cyber Helpline) or visit cybercrime.gov.in.”
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### Majority of Fraud Cases From ‘Elite’ Areas
Interestingly, a large number of victims are well-educated individuals living in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s prominent IT hubs, such as Hinjawadi, Sangvi, and Wakad. Despite being considered tech-savvy, many fail to recognize financial frauds and fall victim.
This year alone, approximately 1,300 complaints have been recorded each from the jurisdictions of Wakad and Hinjawadi Police Stations, 900 from Sangvi, and 600 from Chakan Police Station. However, only two to four cases have been officially registered from these complaints.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Shivaji Pawar, head of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police’s Crime Branch, urged residents to stay vigilant against cyber fraud.
“Cybercriminals constantly adapt their methods. Do not share personal or bank details with strangers. If you suspect fraud, immediately file a complaint with the cyber police,” he said.
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**Stay alert and protect yourself from cyber fraud by reporting suspicious activity promptly.**
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pimpri-chinchwad-cybercrime-skyrockets-in-2025-106-crore-lost-despite-police-crackdowns
