Bengaluru man loses nearly Rs 2 crore in FedEx fraud, 163 such scams recorded

The scam usually starts with a call from someone claiming to be a FedEx courier. They inform the victim about a package with illegal substances that has been intercepted in their name. The call is then redirected to a fake "cybercrime branch of the Mumbai police," causing fear and anxiety.

Bengaluru FedEx scam details

• On December 2nd, the victim, Amit (name changed), got a call from someone pretending to be a FedEx courier, claiming a package from Taiwan addressed to him containing a banned synthetic drug (MDMA) was intercepted.
• The scammers said the call would be sent to the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell, creating fear of legal trouble, reports The News Minute.
• The call was then redirected to a person posing as a police officer from the cybercrime branch of the Mumbai police.
• The fake officer told Amit he was implicated in a money laundering investigation related to the intercepted package.

• Amit was convinced to transfer a significant sum to a designated account to address the allegations.
• He remained on Skype for over two days, and his wife was engaged in a separate call with another fake law enforcement person.
• The scammers made Amit and his wife stay in different hotel rooms during the continuous Skype call.
• Amit realised he had been deceived after transferring a massive sum of Rs 1.98 crore to the fraudulent account.

According to the report, the Bengaluru police recorded 163 instances of FedEx courier fraud from January to August this year, leading to a cumulative loss surpassing Rs 5 crore. Authorities emphasise the importance of awareness and prevention as the main strategies to address this increasing problem.

Here's how to stay safe from the FedEx courier scam

In order to avoid FedEx courier scams or other online fraud, it's essential to be aware. Here are key tips to prevent and stay protected:

• Be careful of sudden calls or messages, especially from courier services or law enforcement.
• Confirm details by reaching out directly to the courier company if you receive suspicious communication.
• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as Aadhaar numbers or bank details, over the phone or on unfamiliar websites.
• Take your time and don't make quick decisions; scammers often try to urgently pressure victims.
• Gather details and consult trusted people before making any transactions.
• Treat calls or messages about courier parcels or unexpected packages with caution, especially if they are unforeseen.