Courier parcel scam

Courier parcel scam is a call or SMS saying your parcel is held, with a fee, address update or OTP demand, or even a fake drug case.

Courier parcel scam: A courier parcel scam is a fraud where someone claims a parcel in your name is stuck, unclaimed or contains illegal items. They ask for a small fee, an address update link, an OTP, or escalate to fake police and customs officials who demand money.

The simple version arrives by SMS: "Your package could not be delivered, update your address by paying Rs 25." The link opens a form that takes your card details, or installs an app. Another version is a call about an order you do not remember, where the caller asks you to read the OTP you just got to "confirm delivery". That code approves something else.

The darker version claims that a parcel in your name has drugs or fake passports, and passes you to a fake officer who demands payment to clear your name. Check real deliveries only in the shopping app or courier's official app. Do not click links or read out OTPs. If threatened, hang up and tell someone; no real agency collects money over a call.

Tips

• Track parcels only in the shop's app or the courier's official app.
• Never share an OTP with a delivery caller before you have your parcel in hand.
• Hang up on any caller who links a parcel to a police or customs case.

Related terms