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Scam explainer

Courier, parcel and customs scam also called FedEx scam, Parcel seized call, Customs duty scam, Press 1 IVR call

A call or IVR message says a parcel in your name was seized with drugs or fake passports, or asks for a small customs fee. It often opens a digital arrest scam.

Conceptual illustration: An unbranded sealed courier parcel, an anonymous calling phone and a glass warning triangle. Headline: PARCEL ALERT OR SCAM?.

AI-generated illustration by CyberShitty. Not a photograph or a document from the organisations named.

How it works

  1. A recorded message or caller says a parcel sent by or to you has been held by customs or a courier company, and asks you to press a key.
  2. An 'executive' says the parcel contains drugs, fake passports or other contraband and connects you to 'police' or 'narcotics' officers.
  3. The call escalates into threats of arrest and demands for money to settle the case, often turning into a digital arrest.
  4. A smaller version sends a link asking for a customs, redelivery or address-update fee, which steals card or UPI details.

Red flags

  • A parcel you know nothing about is said to contain illegal items.
  • An IVR asks you to press a number to speak to courier or customs staff.
  • The call is quickly handed to 'police', 'CBI' or 'NCB' officers.
  • A link asking for a small fee to release or redeliver a package.

What to do

  • Hang up and check any shipment only on the courier's official website or app using your own tracking number.
  • Do not transfer money or share Aadhaar, bank or card details on such calls.
  • If you paid or shared details, call 1930 and your bank, and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
  • Report the number through Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi.

Step-by-step guideDigital arrest scam: how to recognise the call, what to do on it, and what to do if you paid

The numbers

Parcel calls are mostly counted under digital arrest rather than as a separate category. The government said in December 2024 that international spoofed calls used in FedEx and digital arrest scams were being blocked by telecom operators (PIB).

Desk coverage

Sources

Other scamsDigital arrest scamInvestment and trading scamTask and part-time job scamUPI, QR code and collect-request fraudSextortion video call scamFake customer care number scam