Scam alerts
Parcel and courier messages
A text says your parcel is held because the address is incomplete, or a “courier company” calls about illegal items in your name.
What it looks like
IN-POSTXX
India Post: your package is held at our warehouse due to incomplete address. Update within 12 hours or it will be returned: [link]
SCAMHow it works
- The link asks for a small “redelivery fee” and takes your card details and OTP.
- Or a caller says a parcel in your name contains drugs and transfers you to fake police (see “Digital arrest”).
Red flags
- You weren’t expecting a parcel, or the message doesn’t name what it is.
- A fee of a few rupees through a link.
- Any call that moves from a parcel to police, customs or arrest.
What to do
- Track parcels only on the courier’s official website or app, using the tracking number from the seller.
- Never pay a “redelivery fee” through a message link.
- Hang up on parcel-plus-police calls and tell family.
- Report the message or number on Chakshu.