{"id":118365,"date":"2024-08-21T08:07:11","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T08:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/21\/kerala-woman-loses-rs-12-lakh-in-new-customs-fraud-scheme-how-to-protect-yourself\/"},"modified":"2024-08-21T08:07:11","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T08:07:11","slug":"kerala-woman-loses-rs-12-lakh-in-new-customs-fraud-scheme-how-to-protect-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/21\/kerala-woman-loses-rs-12-lakh-in-new-customs-fraud-scheme-how-to-protect-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerala woman loses Rs 12 Lakh in new Customs Fraud Scheme; how to protect yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Kerala<\/div>\n
A woman from Kerala<\/a> recently became a victim of the ‘Customs Fraud<\/a>‘ scam that has been doing the rounds, losing Rs 12 lakh. In this scheme, fraudsters impersonate customs officials and demand payments for fake packages or parcels supposedly held in customs.<\/p>\n

The woman received a call asking for Rs 15,000 as customs duty for a gift she was supposedly expecting. Believing the caller was a legitimate customs officer, she made the payment. The scam escalated when the fraudsters claimed to have discovered higher-value items in the parcel, including dollars worth Rs 10 lakh. The victim continued to pay until a friend alerted her to the scam.<\/p>\n

In response to such scams, the government<\/a>‘s fact-checking division, PIB Fact Check<\/a>, recently issued a warning on social media platform X. Their post includes a video showing how scammers operate, along with a voice clip explaining their tactics. The post also provides crucial tips to help people protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. <\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u2014 PIBFactCheck (@PIBFactCheck) <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/h2>\n

How Custom Fraud scammers operate<\/h2>\n

The voice clip shared by PIB Fact Check details how scammers pose as Indian Customs<\/a> officers. The scam typically begins with a pre-recorded message claiming there is an issue with a parcel sent online or that the package contains illegal items.<\/p>\n

The message then instructs the recipient to press \u201c9\u201d for further information or support. Pressing \u201c9\u201d connects the call to a representative who also pretends to be from Customs.<\/p>\n

Scammers usually try to intimidate or coerce the target by alleging illegal contents in the package or demanding payments disguised as taxes.
<\/strong><\/p>\n

What to do in case of Customs Fraud
<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Verify the Situation: First, check if you or anyone in your family has actually sent a courier. If not, ignore the call.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n
    • Confirm Legitimacy: To verify any communication from Indian Customs, check the Document Identification Number (DIN) on the CBIC website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n
      • Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on any links sent to your phone, even if they seem genuine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          \n
        • Protect Personal Information: Never share personal information over the phone, as scammers can use it to further entrap you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
            \n
          • Report the Incident: Report any suspicious calls or incidents to your local police or the Cyber Crime department.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            <\/div>\n