New Delhi | Amid a sharp rise in financial cyber frauds and scams involving fake customs officials, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has launched a large-scale multi-modal awareness campaign across the country. The initiative aims to educate citizens about evolving digital fraud tactics and protect them from falling prey to cyber criminals.
According to CBIC, several incidents have recently surfaced in which fraudsters impersonated Indian Customs officers to threaten and extort money from unsuspecting individuals. These criminals mainly operate through phone calls, SMS messages, emails and social media platforms, falsely claiming to represent government agencies and creating fear of immediate legal action.
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Officials said one of the most common methods used by the fraudsters involves informing victims that a suspicious parcel registered in their name has been intercepted. The scammers claim the package contains drugs, foreign currency, passports or other illegal items. Victims are then threatened with arrest, investigation or criminal proceedings and are pressured into sharing bank details, OTPs or transferring large sums of money digitally.
CBIC stated that such cyber crimes are becoming increasingly organised, with fraudsters using advanced technology and psychological pressure to manipulate victims. In several cases, criminals reportedly conduct video calls from fake office setups and display forged identity cards to appear credible. Some fraudsters even pose as customs officials, police personnel or investigative officers to create a so-called “digital arrest” situation and mentally intimidate targets.
In response to the growing threat, CBIC has initiated a nationwide awareness drive using newspapers, mobile alerts, emails, social media campaigns and other digital platforms. Through the campaign, citizens are being informed that no government agency asks people to transfer money, share OTPs or disclose sensitive banking information over phone calls or online communication. The public has also been advised not to trust suspicious calls or messages immediately.
CBIC has urged people to independently verify the identity and claims of anyone posing as a customs officer. Citizens have been cautioned against clicking on unknown links, downloading screen-sharing applications or revealing personal financial information to strangers. The board also emphasised that decisions taken in panic or fear often result in significant financial losses.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cyber criminals are increasingly relying on “social engineering” techniques to exploit fear and emotional vulnerability. According to him, fraudsters deliberately create panic situations to force victims into making hurried decisions. He advised citizens receiving such calls to immediately contact the cyber crime helpline or local police authorities instead of responding under pressure.
A Researcher at Algoritha Security noted that cyber fraudsters are now using fake government websites, spoofed caller IDs and AI-generated voice technologies to make scams appear more authentic. Experts believe that distinguishing genuine communication from fraudulent impersonation is becoming more difficult for ordinary users, making public awareness the most effective defence mechanism.
CBIC has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities immediately and educate elderly family members and young users about digital safety practices. The board stressed that collective awareness and timely caution are essential to effectively curb the growing menace of financial cyber crimes in the country.
