Trick 5-Drug-in-Parcel Scam with Digital Arrest Threat
- Fake Courier Call: Scammers call the victim, posing as courier service representatives, and claim that a package in their name contains illegal substances (e.g., drugs).
- Impersonation of Law Enforcement: The victim is transferred to fraudsters posing as police officers or cybercrime officials.
- Digital Arrest Threat: Scammers claim that the victim’s Aadhaar or bank details were used in criminal activities, such as terror financing or money laundering.
- Coercion and Extortion: The victim is threatened with immediate legal action unless they pay a “verification fee” or transfer money to clear their name.
- Financial Fraud: Under pressure, victims transfer large sums of money to fraudsters’ accounts, believing they are resolving a legal issue.
Drug-in-Parcel’ Scam Defrauds Mumbai Residents
- Incident: Between February 29 and March 6, 2024, four individuals in Mumbai, including a doctor at a civic-run hospital, were defrauded of a total of ₹15.97 lakh by cybercriminals using the ‘drug-in-parcel’ scam.
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- Fake Courier Calls: Victims received calls from individuals posing as courier service staff, claiming that a parcel in their name containing drugs (e.g., mephedrone) had been intercepted.
- Impersonation of Authorities: Callers transferred victims to supposed customer care representatives and then to individuals impersonating cybercrime officials or police officers.
- Digital Arrest Threats: Victims were falsely informed that their Aadhaar card details had been used to open bank accounts linked to illegal activities, such as terror funding. They were threatened with “digital arrest” to coerce compliance.
- Monetary Demands: Under the guise of clearing their names, victims were instructed to transfer substantial amounts of money to specific bank accounts and, in some cases, book hotel rooms for further instructions.
- Fake Courier Calls: Victims received calls from individuals posing as courier service staff, claiming that a parcel in their name containing drugs (e.g., mephedrone) had been intercepted.
- Outcome:
- Financial Loss: The four victims collectively lost ₹15.97 lakh.
- Police Investigation: Cases were registered at local police stations, and investigations were initiated to trace the perpetrators.
- Financial Loss: The four victims collectively lost ₹15.97 lakh.
This case highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, including impersonation of authorities and psychological manipulation, to exploit unsuspecting individuals.