Scam Alert: The Rise of the 'FedEx Courier' Scam in India

This latest scam involves fraudsters impersonating FedEx couriers. The digital age has streamlined many aspects of our lives, but it has also opened doors for criminals to exploit technology and manipulate emotions with devastating effectiveness. By creating a false sense of urgency and impersonating trusted entities, these scammers have successfully deceived many.

How the Scam Works

The fraud begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be from FedEx customer service. The caller informs the victim that a package linked to their Aadhaar number has been intercepted because it allegedly contains illegal items. Despite the victim not knowing such a package, the scammer insists it was dispatched from Mumbai and is now stuck in customs due to the discovery of narcotics among the items.

To escalate the sense of urgency, the scammer claims the call will be transferred to the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell. Victims might then receive a call from an individual posing as a police officer, who demands sensitive information like Aadhaar and PAN card details. The scammer exploits fears of legal repercussions and money laundering accusations to lure the victim into transferring money, promising a swift refund which, of course, never happens.

In total, over Rs 5 crore has been lost to these scammers in Bengaluru alone, where the police have registered 163 cases related to this type of cyber scam in 2023 alone, with 48 of these cases in the South-East division.

Truecaller's Role in Your Safety

Use Truecaller to help identify potential scammers. Our app flags suspicious numbers and provides you with the information needed to avoid falling prey to these deceitful tactics.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Directly check the status of any package on the official FedEx website. Avoid interacting with links sent via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
• Never share your UPI PIN, UPI ID, or other sensitive banking details with strangers over the phone.
• If a call raises suspicions, hang up immediately. Scammers use sophisticated psychological tactics to manipulate their targets.
• Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, are often targeted more frequently. Help educate your community about the signs of these scams.
• If you suspect a scam, report it immediately in your Truecaller app. Contact emergency services by dialing 112 or 1930, or visit the nearest Cyber Crime Police Station.

Awareness and preventive measures are your best defense against these types of cybercrimes. Remember, in the fight against fraud, knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay skeptical, and use Truecaller to keep your communications safe. Together, we can halt the plans of cybercriminals and maintain the integrity of our digital lives.

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 374 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.