Kolkata: Kolkata Police and cyber experts have issued an urgent warning about a “festive delivery scam” targeting households during the holiday season.
Police said scammers are using fake parcel deliveries, unexpected gifts and unsolicited cash-on-delivery packages to trick people. Police said the fake links often lead to websites that look like genuine delivery portals. Police said genuine delivery companies do not ask people to scan QR codes, make advance UPI payments or click links to cancel a shipment.
In many cases, fraudsters pose as delivery agents or contact victims by phone, SMS or WhatsApp. These sites are designed to steal bank details, Aadhaar and PAN information, passwords and other sensitive data.
They ask people to pay a small charge, scan a QR code or click a link to verify or cancel the delivery. Once a person clicks the link or scans the code, scammers may steal banking details, install harmful apps, access the phone or trick the victim into approving UPI payments. Citizens have been advised not to accept or pay for any parcel they did not order. They should also check with family members before accepting any unexpected delivery.