How to identify and avoid Customs scams?
Rising customs scams in India exploit fear and greed to target unsuspecting victims. Scammers impersonate Customs or courier officials to steal money. Knowing how these scams work and being vigilant can help you avoid them.
The Scale of the Problem
Cybercrime is serious in India. The National Crime Records Bureau recorded 53,000 cases in 2021, 11,400 of which were impersonation. From January to November 2024, Maharashtra experienced ₹3,600 crore in fraud, with only ₹350 crore recovered. Experts believe many cases go unreported, highlighting the threat.
How the Scams Operate?
Fraudsters usually claim victims owe Customs duty on a “free gift” or “illegal items” in a parcel. Link or OTP sharing pressures victims to pay immediately. Lakhs of rupees are lost with these methods.
Spotting a Scam
Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, stresses that official agencies never request payments via WhatsApp or phone calls. Common red flags are:
- Receiving calls about parcels you didn’t order.
- Urgent payment demands for Customs duties.
- Requests to pay via suspicious links or share OTPs.
Always verify claims through legitimate platforms and track parcels via authorised websites.
What to Do If Scammed?
If you suspect fraud:
- Call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 immediately.
- Preserve evidence such as phone numbers, emails, UPI IDs, and screenshots to assist investigations.
- Use apps like TRAI DND 3 to report fraudulent calls and protect others.
Recovery Challenges
Recovering lost funds is challenging as fraudsters often withdraw cash or convert money into cryptocurrencies. Experts suggest measures like:
- Stronger KYC protocols.
- AI-driven fraud detection.
- A 24-hour activation delay for payment apps on new SIM cards.
Staying Safe
Scammers target India’s 250 million online shoppers and digital economy. Combating this growing threat requires awareness, vigilance, and immediate reporting. Prevention is the best Customs scam defence.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Consult a professional for financial decisions.