Pune Shopkeeper Defrauded of Rs 2.76 Lakh in Sophisticated RTO Challan Scam
A 57-year-old shopkeeper from Tilak Road in Pune has fallen victim to a cunning online fraud, losing a substantial sum of Rs 2.76 lakh after receiving a deceptive RTO challan message in December 2025. The Vishrambaug police have taken swift action by registering a formal First Information Report (FIR) following the victim's complaint, highlighting a growing trend of cybercrimes targeting unsuspecting citizens.
Police Investigation Reveals Modus Operandi
Inspector Arun Ghodke of the Vishrambaug police provided detailed insights into the case. The victim, a long-time resident of Sadashiv Peth who operates a shop on Tilak Road, initially submitted a complaint application to the Pune cybercrime police station. After thorough verification, authorities proceeded to file an official FIR on Saturday, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
According to police reports, the scam unfolded when the shopkeeper received a text message on his mobile phone, cleverly disguised as an RTO challan notification. The message contained a link that appeared legitimate, prompting the victim to click on it under the assumption it was for paying a traffic fine online.
How the Fraud Was Executed
Upon clicking the link, a form appeared on his screen, which he dutifully filled out, including sensitive banking credentials. Unbeknownst to him, this action installed remote access software on his device, as he inadvertently selected the 'Allow' option during the process. This software granted the fraudsters complete control over his mobile phone, enabling them to access his online banking details.
Inspector Ghodke explained, By filling out the online form, the victim unknowingly shared his online banking credentials, which the perpetrators used to siphon off Rs 2.76 lakh from his account. The criminals leveraged their remote access to utilize PIN numbers and even delete money transfer messages, covering their tracks effectively.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals. Police urge the public to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited messages and links, especially those claiming to be from official authorities like the RTO. Always verify the authenticity of such communications through direct contact with the concerned departments to avoid falling prey to similar scams.
The registration of the FIR marks a critical step in the investigation, as authorities work to trace the fraudsters and prevent future occurrences. Citizens are advised to report any suspicious activities immediately to cybercrime units to bolster community safety against digital threats.
