A concerning surge in a fraudulent scheme known as the “courier scam” has been observed this year, with impostors posing as customs officials targeting individuals across metro cities in India. In this elaborate ploy, the scammers, assuming the roles of police officials or NCRB agents, reach out to people, accusing them of participating in unlawful activities related to sending or receiving parcels containing drugs or prohibited substances.
Operating with a methodical approach, the perpetrators instill fear in their victims by suggesting impending contact with police personnel, thereby initiating a systematic process of extorting money to resolve the fabricated charges. The primary demographic targeted by the courier scam includes individuals aged between 35 and 50, resulting in the reporting of numerous cases to law enforcement agencies throughout the year.
Deceptive Tactics: The Dual Impersonation in the Courier Scam and Its Psychological Impact
The scam operates by scammers posing as customs officials, reaching out to their targets via phone, and claiming that a parcel registered under the individual’s name includes prohibited substances. Following this, the scammers adopt the guise of police officials, exploiting the fear instilled in the victims to compel them into resolving the fabricated case through financial payments, which are then transferred to the fraudsters.
Psychological tactics are employed during these deceptive calls to distress the victims further, leading them to divulge personal identification and bank details, including Aadhaar and other sensitive information, ultimately facilitating fraudulent transactions. In some instances, the scam initiates with a missed call, leading the recipient to an automated voice message claiming to be a courier company’s helpline, followed by a person posing as a police officer alleging the discovery of illegal substances in a parcel sent to the victim’s address, thereby blackmailing them into making payments.
Safeguarding Against Courier Scams: Vigilance, Precautions, and Reporting Cybercrime
The severity of the courier scam is underscored by instances such as a Bengaluru resident being defrauded of Rs 1.52 crore. Despite warnings from both banks and law enforcement agencies about the escalating prevalence of courier scams, these fraudulent activities persist. The precautionary measures advised include refraining from providing sensitive information, verifying unknown callers, avoiding hasty actions, consulting trusted individuals before transactions, and promptly reporting incidents to cybercrime authorities.
The rise in courier scam cases has prompted heightened vigilance from banks and police, with warnings issued to the public. In Bengaluru alone, approximately 250 cases of fake courier fraud have been reported this year. Law enforcement agencies are prioritizing the investigation of these cases, along with three other common types of cyber fraud: Aadhaar Enabled Payment Services fraud, WhatsApp sextortion, and online job fraud.
To stay safe, individuals are advised against sharing One Time Passwords (OTPs), Aadhaar numbers, bank account information, or any sensitive data. Caution is urged regarding unknown callers or individuals impersonating bank or police officials. It is recommended not to return calls from unknown or suspicious contacts, to verify the caller through official sources before providing any details, and to avoid clicking on suspicious links received via text or WhatsApp. Taking time to gather information and consulting with trusted individuals before engaging in transactions is emphasized as a prudent approach. Individuals are encouraged to report cybercrime incidents through the designated complaint numbers or online platforms.
