Beware of the courier scam: Banks issue cyber fraud alert amid rising threats

A dangerous new scam is sweeping across metro cities, leaving unsuspecting Indians in financial turmoil. Fraudsters, disguising themselves as customs officials, have successfully duped people of lakhs in a crafty scheme known as the 'courier scam.' This rising menace involves impersonating police officials or NCRB agents, accusing victims of illicit parcel activities. The scam, primarily targeting individuals aged 35 to 50, has witnessed hundreds of reported cases this year, leading to significant financial losses.

How the scam works

In the intricate web of the courier scam, perpetrators pose as customs officials, contacting targets over the phone. They allege the involvement of the victim in sending or receiving parcels containing illegal substances. Posing as police officers, the scammers instill fear of impending arrest and coerce victims into settling false complaints by offering money. Using psychological tactics, they extract personal identification and bank details, often demanding Aadhaar information in addition to bank particulars.

Another modus operandi begins with a missed call. Upon returning the call, victims are directed to an automated voice message claiming to be a courier company's helpline. The caller, impersonating a Mumbai police officer, asserts the discovery of illegal drugs in a parcel sent to the victim's address, subsequently blackmailing them into making payments.

Real-life victim

The courier scam's impact is exemplified by the recent case of Debashish Das, a 66-year-old Bengaluru resident. Falling prey to the scam, he lost a staggering Rs 1.52 crore. The fraudsters, claiming to be a FedEx employee, accused Das of a courier containing credit cards, expired passports, and drugs. The elaborate ruse involved Skype calls with fake police officers, leading to the transfer of all of Das's money, including fixed deposits, to the scamsters' account.

Rising cases and warnings

The courier scam is on the rise, with as many as 250 reported cases in Bengaluru this year alone. Authorities, recognising the severity of the issue, have issued warnings urging people to be vigilant against such fraudulent calls. Banks and police are prioritizing the investigation of these cases, alongside other common cyber frauds like Aadhaar Enabled Payment Services fraud, WhatsApp sextortion, and online job fraud.

How to stay safe

To protect oneself from falling victim to such scams, individuals are advised not to provide sensitive information like OTPs, Aadhaar numbers, or bank details. Vigilance against unknown callers impersonating officials is crucial, and individuals are urged never to call back on suspicious contacts. Reverification of the caller through official sources before sharing any information and refraining from clicking on suspicious links are essential precautions. Acting with caution, gathering information, and consulting trusted individuals before making transactions can significantly reduce the risk.

As the courier scam continues to evolve, staying informed and adopting preventive measures is paramount. Individuals are encouraged to report any cybercrime incidents to the designated helpline at 155260 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Vigilance and awareness are the keys to safeguarding oneself against this growing digital threat.