The call sounds official. Someone from a courier company says a parcel sent in your name has been stopped because it contains drugs, a fake passport, or something illegal. Then the call is handed to a so called police or customs officer who threatens you. None of it is real. This is a script designed to scare you into paying, and it often turns into a fake digital arrest.
How the scam plays out
- A caller claims a parcel in your name has been seized with something illegal inside.
- You are transferred to a fake police or customs officer who accuses you of a crime.
- They keep you on a call, sometimes video, and forbid you from hanging up or telling anyone.
- They demand money to clear your name or to avoid arrest, which is the whole point of the scam.
What to do
- Hang up. You are allowed to end any call, and a real officer would never stop you.
- Do not transfer any money, and do not share OTPs, bank details, or Aadhaar details.
- Talk to a family member or friend so you are not facing the pressure alone.
- Call 1930 and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in, especially if you already paid or shared details.
If you already paid
Act quickly so your bank can try to freeze the money. Call 1930, file on cybercrime.gov.in, and tell your bank it was fraud. Save the phone numbers, any account details you were given, and screenshots. Then be careful of anyone who later offers to recover your money for a fee, because that is a second scam.
Common questions
The caller knew my name and address. Is the parcel real?
No. Scammers often have basic details from leaked data and use them to sound convincing. A parcel with your name is not proof of anything. Real seizures are not handled by a phone call demanding money.
They said I will be arrested if I hang up. Is that true?
No. You can end any call at any time, and no real officer forbids it or investigates you over a video call. Being told not to hang up or not to tell anyone is a clear sign of a scam.
Can police arrest me over a video call?
No. There is no such thing as a digital arrest. Real agencies send written notices and call you to a physical office. Any online arrest or fine to a personal account is a scam.
I already transferred money. What now?
Call 1930 immediately so your bank can try to freeze it, and file on cybercrime.gov.in. Tell your bank it was fraud and save every number and detail. Do not trust anyone who later offers paid recovery.
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