FedEx Issues Fraud Alert As Courier Scams Increase (image@Pixabay)
After increased number of report on courier scam, the FedEx (Federal Express) released an important fraud warning. Reportedly, in last one year, people lost lakhs in the name of courier companies like FedEx, DHL, BlueDart, DTDC and others.
The scammers would call an unsuspecting person to inform them that a courier package in their name has been caught with illegal items including drugs. In recent case, the scammers used courier service”s name to trap a Bengaluru-based woman. The scammers made the woman strip on camera before looting Rs 15 lakh from her bank account.
In its alert. the delivery company explained the modus operandi used by the cyber criminals. The warning issued in the form of public notice advertisement, the company said that in such cases, users receive call from fake FedEx representative claiming to seize a parcel containing of illegal items. The user may then be connected to hoax law enforcement officials by the fraudsters, who will threaten the user to pay to avoid arrest or any legal actions.
FedEx also mentioned that the fraudsters would disappear immediately after the victim had transferred their money. The company advised the users to not to respond to unsolicited requests for payment, OTP or personal information. The company also asked the users to call 1930 or report to cybercrime.gov.in immediately. FedEx clarified that it does not ask its customer for personal information.
“FedEx does not request personal information through unsolicited calls, mail, or email for goods being shipped or held, unless requested or initiated by the customers. If any individual receives any suspicious phone calls or messages, they are advised not to provide their personal information. Instead, they should immediately contact the local law enforcement authorities within the vicinity or report to the cybercrime department of the government of India”.
(with inputs from TOI)
