Pune, a city in western India, has become a hotbed for cryptocurrency scams. The city's unique combination of factors makes it an attractive target for scammers.
The city has a large digitally active population, including retirees and young adults, who are often targeted by scammers with fake crypto trading platforms, digital arrest threats, and social engineering schemes.
Pune also lacks the necessary cybercrime infrastructure to effectively combat these scams. Despite reporting nearly 25% of India's cybercrime cases, the city had only one dedicated cyber police station as of late 2025.
The proximity to international crypto laundering networks is another factor that contributes to Pune's vulnerability. The city's strong banking infrastructure and international connectivity make it an attractive operational base for cross-border fraud networks.