A woman in Indore was allegedly duped of nearly ₹12 lakh after cyber fraudsters convinced her that a valuable gold parcel had been sent from abroad in her name. Police said the accused used fake courier notifications, customs clearance claims, and fabricated legal threats to pressure the victim into transferring money through multiple transactions.
According to investigators, the fraud began when the woman was contacted online by a person claiming to be from a foreign country. The accused allegedly gained the victim’s trust before informing her that expensive gold jewellery and gifts had been dispatched to India through an international courier service.
Fraudsters Used Fake Courier and Customs Claims
Police said the victim later received calls from individuals posing as courier company officials and customs authorities. The callers allegedly claimed that the parcel containing gold and other valuables had arrived in India but was being held due to customs duties, clearance charges, and legal documentation issues.
Investigators stated that the fraudsters repeatedly pressured the woman into transferring money to release the supposed parcel. The accused allegedly used fake documents, forged receipts, and fabricated shipment details to make the scam appear genuine.
Authorities said the victim transferred nearly ₹12 lakh in multiple payments before realising she had been cheated.
Cybercriminals Exploited Emotional Manipulation
According to police, the accused allegedly relied on emotional manipulation and trust-building tactics commonly seen in online friendship and gift scams. Investigators said cybercriminals frequently target victims through social media platforms and messaging applications by pretending to develop personal relationships before introducing fake parcel or investment schemes.
Officials warned that fraudsters often create urgency by claiming parcels are stuck at airports, customs offices, or courier hubs and threaten legal action if payments are not made immediately.
Police stated that such scams increasingly involve fake identities, spoofed international numbers, and digitally fabricated documents designed to appear legitimate.
Investigation Underway Into Financial Transactions
Cybercrime investigators are now examining bank accounts, mobile numbers, and digital communication linked to the fraud. Authorities suspect the money may have been routed through multiple mule accounts to conceal the financial trail.
Police are also analysing whether the same network was involved in similar cyber fraud cases reported in other states. Digital evidence and transaction records are currently under forensic examination to identify the individuals operating the alleged scam.
Police Warn Public Against Online Gift and Parcel Scams
Authorities urged citizens not to trust unsolicited foreign gift offers, lottery claims, or messages involving expensive parcels requiring advance payments. Police advised people to verify suspicious communications and avoid transferring money to unknown individuals claiming to represent courier agencies or customs departments.
Officials also warned users against sharing banking details, OTPs, or personal information with strangers online. Victims of cyber fraud have been encouraged to immediately report incidents through the national cybercrime helpline and official reporting portals.
