Pune Man Duped of ₹11 Lakh in Bizarre Online Fertility Scam
A 32-year-old man from Pune fell victim to a shocking online scam after responding to an ad promising money in exchange for helping a woman conceive. The fraudsters swindled him out of ₹11 lakh through a series of fake fees and false promises.
How the Scam Began: A Lucrative but Fake Offer
The victim came across an advertisement on a classifieds website where a woman sought a “healthy male donor” to help her get pregnant, offering a large sum as compensation. Enticed by the offer, he responded and was soon contacted by a scammer posing as a clinic representative.
The fraudster convinced him to share personal details, including his Aadhaar card and bank information, under the guise of “verification.”
The Downward Spiral: Repeated Demands for Money
Once the scammers had his details, they began demanding payments for various fake expenses:
- ₹50,000 “registration fee”
- Additional charges for “sperm analysis” and “legal clearances”
- “Hospital fees” under false pretenses
Over weeks, the victim paid ₹11 lakh before realizing he had been duped when the scammers cut off contact.
Police Action & Ongoing Investigation
The Pune Cyber Crime Police have registered a case under the IPC and IT Act. Authorities suspect an interstate fraud gang behind the scam, using fake identities and emotional manipulation.
“These criminals exploit trust and desperation. We’re tracking digital trails to arrest them,” said a senior officer.
Rise in Unconventional Online Scams
Cybercrimes have evolved beyond phishing and fake jobs. Recent trends include:
- Romance scams
- Fake fertility offers
- Fraudulent investment schemes
Rohan Sharma, Cybersecurity Expert, warns: “If an offer seems too good, it’s likely a trap. Always verify before trusting strangers online.”
How to Avoid Such Scams
- Research Extensively – Check for red flags or past complaints.
- Never Share Sensitive Data – Avoid giving Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details without verification.
- Reject Upfront Payments – Legitimate services don’t demand large deposits beforehand.
- Report to Cybercrime – File complaints via https://cybercrime.gov.in.
Key Takeaways
This case highlights the dangers of online fraud. Always stay cautious, and remember: quick money schemes are often scams.
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