Courier Scams: Safeguarding Your Finances and Personal Information

06 May, 2024


Synopsis

• The fake courier service scam involves leading victims to fake websites where they're tricked into providing personal and financial information.
  
  

• Fraudsters pose as reputable courier companies or law enforcement, creating a sense of urgency and fear to extort money.
  
  

• It's essential to verify any unexpected parcel notifications directly with the courier company and report any incidents to the police and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
  
  

The courier scam, a growing concern worldwide, highlights a new dimension in digital payment and card scams. With the persistence of scammers, the threat of these scams has increased. People have been increasingly targeted by fraudsters posing as officials. You can get information on online courier fraud below.

What is the Courier Scam that’s become common in India?

The recent courier scam in India typically involves fraudsters calling individuals, claiming to be customs officials, police or representatives of a national crime bureau. They falsely accuse the individuals of sending or receiving parcels containing illegal items and then demand money to 'settle' these false charges.

In a courier scam, a scammer might send a package as part of a ploy to create a sense of urgency or legitimacy. The package is used as bait to make the victim believe that they are indeed involved in a legal issue, which the scammer can then use to extort money under false pretences.

How Does Courier Fraud Work?

Here’s an outline of how courier fraud works:

• Individuals receive SMS or emails
  
  The scam typically begins with an unexpected SMS or email, seemingly from a large local delivery company or central mailing service, informing recipients of a missed delivery that needs re-arrangement.
  
  

• Individuals are prompted to provide personal and financial data
  
  When individuals follow the provided link, they are led to a fake webpage where they are prompted to enter personal and Credit Card information to cover a supposed redelivery fee. The courier delivery scam is worryingly effective due to its multifaceted attack vectors, including phishing for personal details and compromising card information.
  
  

• Scammers use company names that seem credible
  
  Additionally, fraudsters often imitate legitimate companies to appear credible. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the reliance on courier services for e-commerce purchases increased, creating a broader target base for these scams. This issue remains pertinent as many continue to work remotely or in hybrid models, making them susceptible to this courier service scam.
  
  

• Scammers create a sense of urgency to scam individuals
  
  The courier fraud operates by instilling fear and urgency in victims, pushing them to make hasty decisions. Scammers use sophisticated psychological tactics during calls, extracting personal identification and banking details. Even a simple return call to a missed number can entrap individuals in this courier scam.
  
  

What Should You Do After Being Scammed Online?

If you've been a victim of a courier scam, promptly inform your bank if any financial information was shared or transactions made.

Next, you must file a complaint with your local police station and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) specifically detailing the scam.

How Should You Report a Courier Scam?

To report a parcel scam, contact the police and provide them with all the details of the scam, including any communication you've received.

It is also advisable to report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for official documentation and potential investigation.

As these courier scams continue to evolve, staying alert and informed is vital. If you receive an unexpected message about a parcel delivery, always verify it directly with the courier company. Avoid sharing personal details or making payments based on unsolicited communications.

Join Vigil Army, where Vigil Aunty will decode various frauds and give people a heads-up on the dos and don’ts of combating frauds online. To join the Vigil Army, send ‘Hi’ to her via WhatsApp number: 7290030000.


Disclaimer: *Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.