A courier scam, also referred to as a package or delivery scam, is an addition to the list of frauds that involves fraudsters posing as customs officials and targeting gullible victims where they state about a parcel booked in their name and claim that it contained narcotic drugs or other such banned items.
Usually, senior citizens or other people who are more susceptible to manipulation are the target of such fraudsters.
As part of this scam, the scammers direct the victim to transfer large amounts of money to be cleared of drug trafficking and money laundering charges. They might direct their victim to send gift cards, wire money, or pay cash.
In case the victim doesn’t cooperate, they might then threaten to have them arrested or seize their other possessions. Scammers may also divulge information about the purported package, such as the sender’s address or tracking number, in an attempt to trap the victim.
At times, caller ID spoofing is another tactic that these scammers might deploy to have calls seem to be emerging from a reputable messenger service.
It has become increasingly common for people to receive calls from individuals claiming to be officials from law enforcement agencies, asking users for their personal account details or directing them to transfer money to various accounts.
It is important to note that law enforcement agencies never contact in such a manner and do not ask anyone to provide them with bank account details or to transfer money to any account.
If anyone receives such a call, they must immediately approach their local police department or the nearest cybercrime cell.
Most importantly, avoid sharing any personal or banking information with an individual claiming to be from any law enforcement agency or third-party company.
Also, do not respond to unsolicited emails or confirm the caller’s identity if they claim to be from any law official organisation.
Rajiv is an independent editorial consultant for the last decade. Prior to this, he worked as a full-time journalist associated with various prominent print media houses. In his spare time, he loves to paint on canvas.
