A private company employee in Pune fell victim to a sophisticated online scam, losing Rs. 12 lakh in what is being called a ‘parcel scam.’
What Exactly Happened
As reported by The Hindu, the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, received a call from individuals posing as representatives of a courier service. They fabricated a story about a parcel allegedly sent by the victim to Taiwan containing illegal items such as expired passports and a significant amount of drugs.
The scammers used scare tactics, convincing the victim that they would face legal consequences if the ‘illegal’ parcel wasn’t cleared immediately. To add credibility to their scheme, they likely impersonated officials from various authorities, creating a sense of fear and urgency.
In a state of panic, the victim was coerced into making multiple online transactions under the pretense of fees and penalties to ‘legalize’ the non-existent parcel. It was only after realizing the absence of any actual parcel that the victim understood they had been defrauded.
The victim has filed a complaint with the Pune Police, who have initiated an investigation into the cyber fraud.
Tips To Stay Safe:
Here are some tips to help you stay safe online:
- Do not share personal information over the phone with unknown callers.
- Verify information directly with the source (courier service, authority).
- Never click on suspicious links or attachments in emails.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls demanding immediate action or financial transactions.