Customs department has this important warning on ‘parcel fraud’ that people have lost crores to – Times of India

Scammers continually devise new methods to trap people and steal money from their bank accounts. One of the most prevalent scams today, which has deceived many unsuspecting individuals, is ‘parcel fraud.’ The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a public warning informing people about the scam.
The fraudsters pose as Indian Customs officers and cheat people of their hard-earned money.“frauds are primarily done using digital means like phone calls or SMS, and are focused on extracting money through the ‘purported’ fear of immediate penal action, said the Customs department.

How the scam works
– Impersonation: Scammers contact you and pose as officials from Customs Department/ Police.
– False claims: They inform victim that illegal drugs have been found in your name
– Pressure tactics: Scamsters use fear tactics, threatening legal action or arrest
– Demand of money: Victims are coerced into sending money or revealing personal information to avoid fictitious legal consequences.
– Scam is there: Once money is paid, the seamsters disappear
CBIC advises the public to take the following measures to safeguard themselves from becoming a victim of such scams by:
* Discern: Indian Customs officers never contact the general public via phone, SMS, or e-mail for payment of duty in private accounts. Disconnect calls and never respond to messages, if you suspect fraud or encounter any irregularities.
* Protect: Never share or disclose personal information (Passwords, CVV, Aadhar number, etc.), or send money to unknown individuals or organizations without verifying their identity and legitimacy.
* Verify: All communications from Indian Customs consist of a Document Identification Number (DIN), which can be verified on the CBIC website:
https://esanchar.cbic.gov.in/DIN/DINSearch
* Report: Immediately report such cases to www.cybercrime.gov.in or helpline number 1930.