Chennai Police Warn of Cyber Fraud Using Courier Threats

Chennai police have issued a warning about a new form of cyber fraud involving deceptive calls from individuals claiming to represent courier companies or customs authorities. Perpetrators create a sense of urgency by informing victims that a parcel in their name has been intercepted for containing contraband and demand immediate payment to resolve the situation.

Impersonating courier staff or customs officers, the scammers threaten legal action if the payment is not made promptly. Once victims comply and transfer the requested sum, the fraudsters disappear.

In a recent case, a victim lost ₹62.99 lakh to such a scam. Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious phone numbers to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Over the past year, there have been over 650 complaints related to courier fraud in Tamil Nadu. Cyber Crime units are investigating these cases and working to trace the suspects operating from various states.