How to Report FedEx Customs Drug Parcel Scams in India

1. The Script Scammers Use

The FedEx customs parcel scam works through a carefully scripted sequence:

• The Call: You receive a call from a local number, or an automated IVR call stating *"Your FedEx courier has been returned due to illegal materials. Press 9 to speak with an agent."*
• The Fake Agent: The agent claims a package sent from Mumbai to Taiwan, Canada, or Cambodia containing 140 grams of MDMA drugs, 5 fake passports, and 3 credit cards was registered under your Aadhaar number. They claim the Customs department is forwarding the file to the police.
• The Skype Interrogation: The call is 'transferred' to a fake police officer (often pretending to be from Mumbai Cyber Cell, Delhi Police, or CBI). The scammer instructs you to download Skype, where they appear on a video call wearing authentic-looking police uniforms against a simulated police station or jail backdrop.
• The 'Digital Arrest' Threat: They declare you are under 'Digital Arrest' and cannot leave your room, disconnect the call, or contact family members. They demand you transfer your entire bank balance to a 'temporary government verification escrow account', promising a full refund within 30 minutes once cleared of money laundering.
• The Theft: Once you transfer the money, the Skype account is deactivated, and the scammers disappear.

2. Warning Signs: How to Spot the Lie

If you receive a suspicious customs call, check these critical details:

• Indian Law Enforcement Never Uses Video Calls for Arrests: CBI, Customs, Police, and NCB do not conduct investigations, record statements, or place citizens under 'Digital Arrest' via Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp video calls.
• No Money Transfers for Clearance: No government department will ever ask a citizen to transfer money to a private current account to 'verify funds' or 'clear a criminal suspect'.
• Aadhaar Verification Hoax: Scammers read out your Aadhaar number or date of birth (which they buy from data brokers) to make their claims sound authentic. Knowing your ID details does not mean they are official police officers.
• Official Customs Notices: Customs disputes or notices are sent exclusively via physical, registered government post, containing an official Document Identification Number (DIN) which can be verified on the CBIC website.

3. Immediate Action Plan (How to Report)

If you have been targeted by this scam, follow these steps to report it and block the numbers:

Step 1: File an Immediate Cyber Cell Complaint

If you have transferred funds, every minute counts:

• Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately to trigger account-freezing protocols on the scammers' bank accounts.
• Register a detailed complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in. Upload screenshots of the Skype call, the WhatsApp numbers, and your bank transfer receipts.

Step 2: Report Suspect Numbers on the Chakshu Portal

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) provides a dedicated portal to fight caller-identity fraud:

• Go to the Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) and click on Chakshu.
• Report the scammer's phone numbers, WhatsApp accounts, and SMS messages. The DoT will block their SIM cards and IMEI device numbers nationwide.

Step 3: Verify the FedEx Tracking Number

If you are worried that there is actually a package in your name:

• Hang up and visit the official FedEx website directly.
• Never use links provided by the caller. Search for the official customer service number independently on their website to verify their claims.

Safety Disclaimer

*The information provided in this guide is for public awareness and educational purposes only. Police procedures, Customs operations, and telecom regulations vary across states in India. ComplaintAdda does not provide direct legal representation or guarantee the recovery of stolen funds. If you are threatened with digital arrest or fraud, immediately disconnect the call and dial the cyber crime hotline 1930.*