Courier, Parcel & Customs Scams

What is this scam?

Courier and customs scams have exploded in India, often combined with digital arrest tactics. Victims receive calls claiming a parcel in their name has been intercepted at customs — containing drugs, fake currency, or contraband. The caller then connects them to a 'CBI officer' or 'Narcotics Control Bureau official' who threatens arrest and demands money. These calls have extorted lakhs from educated, senior citizens.

How it works — step by step

1. 1

   Call arrives claiming to be from FedEx, DHL, or a courier company — 'a package in your name has been held at customs in Mumbai/Delhi.'

2. 2

   Caller says the package contains drugs, counterfeit currency, SIM cards, or illegal goods.

3. 3

   Call is 'transferred' to a 'CBI/Narcotics Bureau officer' who threatens arrest unless a 'fine' is paid.

4. 4

   Victim is kept on the phone for hours under 'digital arrest' to prevent them from seeking advice.

5. 5

   Payment of ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs is demanded via UPI to 'clear the case.'

6. 6

   Some variants involve a romance element — 'your online friend sent you a gift that contained contraband.'

🚩 Red flags — warning signs

• ⚠️No courier company calls to say a package is held at customs — you receive a written notice from customs
• ⚠️CBI, Narcotics Bureau, and customs officials do not arrest or 'clear cases' over telephone
• ⚠️Any caller who transfers you to a 'senior officer' about a parcel is engaging in fraud
• ⚠️Real customs notices come on official letterhead and direct you to the customs office — not a UPI account

✅ What to do if you've been targeted

1. 1HANG UP immediately — this is always fraud
2. 2DO NOT make any payment
3. 3Call 1930
4. 4File complaint on cybercrime.gov.in
5. 5If you already paid — file FIR at nearest police station immediately

📋 Official resources & complaint portals

• →cybercrime.gov.in
• →1930
• →Police: 100