Hyderabad woman loses ₹2.48 lakh in online parcel delivery scam

A 27-year-old woman from Asifnagar was duped of ₹2.48 lakh by fraudsters posing as foreign acquaintances and fake courier agents in an online parcel delivery scam.

The scam unfolded after the victim received a WhatsApp message from a person identifying himself as “Amanpreet UK France,” claiming to have sent her a parcel containing a diamond ring, gold, clothes, money, and shoes. Shortly after, she was informed that the parcel had been seized at Mumbai Airport by customs officials.

Using this false claim, the fraudster asked for the woman’s Aadhaar number and residential address, citing verification requirements. Her contact details were then passed on to another person posing as a ‘courier agent’, who threatened her with police and Income Tax Department action if she failed to pay ₹16,000 in courier, customs, and tax charges.

Panicked by the threats, the victim transferred approximately ₹2.48 lakh in multiple transactions. The fraudsters cut all contact soon after receiving the money. Realising she had been scammed, the victim lodged a complaint. The cybercrime wing of the Hyderabad police took up the investigation.

The police warned that no genuine customs or courier agency will ever demand money over WhatsApp or phone calls, nor will they threaten legal action for parcel clearance. Citizens have been advised not to share Aadhaar numbers, addresses, or personal details with unknown people.

Victims of cyber fraud should dial 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. For emergencies, citizens may also contact the cybercrime wing via WhatsApp or call on 8712665171.