Fake Customs Scam India
Callers claiming to be customs officers say a parcel in your name contains drugs or illegal cash — then demand a “clearance fee” to avoid arrest.
Two Common Variants
Variant 1: You Are Expecting a Package
Scammers buy lists of online shoppers. They call and say your package from [Amazon/Meesho/international] has been flagged for containing prohibited goods. They demand a customs clearance payment to release it.
Variant 2: Your Aadhaar Was Misused
Caller claims someone used your Aadhaar to ship drugs or foreign currency. You are being investigated. This variant transitions quickly into a fake CBI/police officer demanding a deposit to “clear your name.”
Red Flags
Unsolicited call about a parcel you did not order
Demand for immediate payment over the phone
Caller transfers you to a "CBI officer" or "police"
"Digital arrest" — told not to disconnect
Payment demanded to a personal bank account or UPI ID
Request to keep the call secret from family
Claim that your Aadhaar was "misused by criminals"
Urgency — "warrant will be issued in 1 hour"
Frequently Asked Questions
Does customs contact people by phone about detained parcels?
Indian customs (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) sends written notices for detained shipments — not unsolicited calls. Legitimate customs notifications come through the official India Post or courier tracking system, or via written notice to your address. If you are actually expecting an international shipment that is delayed, check the status directly on the courier company's website using your tracking number.
What is the typical fake customs scam script?
The caller claims: "A parcel in your name has been seized at [airport] customs. It contains [drugs/cash/illegal items]. You are linked to this shipment and will be arrested unless you pay a customs clearance fee immediately." They may also claim your Aadhaar was used to ship the parcel by someone else, creating plausible deniability pressure.
How do I verify if a customs notice is real?
Contact the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) directly at cbic.gov.in or call 1800-1200-232 (CBIC helpline). If a specific courier shipment is involved, contact the courier (FedEx, DHL, Aramex) directly using the number on their official website — not the number given by the caller. Real customs issues never require immediate phone payment.
What should I do if I paid money in a fake customs scam?
Call 1930 immediately — the cybercrime helpline — to attempt transaction reversal. File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with the phone number, payment details, and any screenshots. Contact your bank to flag the receiving account. If the amount is large, file an FIR at your local police station — Indian courts have issued recovery orders in customs scam cases.