Bengaluru man loses Rs 1.2 crore to courier scam: What is it and how not to become a victim

A Bengaluru resident, aged 66, recently became a victim of a new kind of courier scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 1.52 crore. Courier scam entails criminals posing as police officials who reach out to victims, asserting that they have intercepted packages containing illegal items. These fraudsters manipulate victims into transferring substantial funds by falsely guaranteeing clearance from charges.Here’s all you need to know about this new kind of scam
What is a courier scam
A courier scam, also known as a package scam or delivery scam, is a type of fraud in which scammers impersonate legitimate courier services to trick victims into revealing personal information or sending money. These scams often target older adults or individuals who are more vulnerable to manipulation.
How courier scams work
Courier scams typically involve a series of phone calls or emails from scammers pretending to be from a well-known courier company, such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. The scammers may claim that they have intercepted a package addressed to the victim that contains illegal or restricted items. They may then threaten to arrest the victim or confiscate their other belongings if they do not cooperate.
To gain the victim's trust, scammers may provide details about the supposed package, such as its tracking number or sender information. They may also use caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear as if they are coming from a legitimate courier company.
Once the victim is convinced that the package is real, the scammers will demand money to clear the package or prevent legal consequences. They may ask for the victim to wire money, send gift cards, or even make a cash payment.
Here are some tips to help you avoid courier scams
* Never provide personal information over the phone or email.
* Be suspicious of unexpected calls or emails from courier companies.
* Never wire money or send gift cards. Scammers often ask victims to wire money or send gift cards as a form of payment.
* Report scam attempts to the authorities. If you receive a scam call or email, report it immediately. This will help to track down scammers and prevent others from being victimised.
Important warning from Fedex
"FedEx does not request personal information through unsolicited phone calls, mail, or email for goods being shipped or held, unless requested or initiated by customers. If any individual receives any suspicious phone calls or messages, they are advised not to provide their personal information. Instead, they should immediately contact the local law enforcement authorities within the vicinity or report to the cybercrime department of the government of India," said a Fedex spokesperson.