PANAJI
The Cyber Crime police have warned public about a surge in fake parcel delivery messages circulating through SMS and email, urging citizens not to click on any suspicious links or share banking details. The police have advised people to verify suspicious links using online tools such as virustotal.com and spotthescam.in.
“Scammers are sending fake SMS or emails claiming your parcel delivery has failed. They ask you to click a link, update your address, and pay a small re-delivery fee. But these are fraudulent websites. If you enter your card details or OTP, large amounts of money can be stolen from your account,” the advisory issued by SP Cyber Crime Cell Rahul Gupta said.
The officer cited an incident in Goa wherein a woman received an SMS stating that her India Post parcel could not be delivered and she needed to pay Rs 10.25 through a link. She followed the instructions and entered the OTP, assuming it was a minor charge. Soon after, Rs 25,782 was deducted from her credit card.
In another case, a man received a message posing as DTDC Courier, requesting Rs 25 for re-delivery. He clicked on a website that appeared genuine and the OTP on his phone autofilled during the transaction.
Minutes later, he received an automated call from his bank alerting him to a transaction of Rs 85,238.
“Do not click on unknown links and never share OTPs, UPI PINs or bank details,” the officer added.
Victims have been urged to call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. “Stay alert and stay cyber safe. Do not fall for fake delivery traps,” the police said.
