Mangaluru Woman Loses ₹2.70 Lakh to Fake UK Doctor Parcel Cyber Scam

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A 46-year-old individual from Mangaluru, Karnataka, lost approximately ₹2.70 lakh after falling victim to a cyber fraud scheme involving false claims of a detained international package.

The Scam Details

Scammers impersonated a UK-based medical professional and an airport customs officer to manipulate the victim into paying multiple fees under the pretense of resolving a fabricated customs issue. The deception began two months prior when the victim engaged with an individual claiming to be Dr. Williams Herbert from the United Kingdom. Over an extended period, the perpetrator cultivated trust through persistent communication on social media platforms.

Escalation of Demands

On June 28, the fraudster asserted that a high-value parcel containing luxury items and foreign currency had been sent to the victim. Shortly afterward, an accomplice contacted the woman, falsely presenting as an airport customs official. This second actor alleged the package had been seized by border authorities and demanded an immediate payment for clearance. The victim complied, transferring ₹28,000 via PhonePe on June 29.

The following day, the scammers escalated their demands, claiming that the gold and currency within the package had been confiscated and required additional penalties. Subsequent transactions totaling ₹50,000, ₹26,000, and ₹20,000 were made to multiple UPI accounts provided by the fraudsters.

Involvement of Family

The scheme expanded when the perpetrators targeted the victim’s nephew, persuading him to contribute ₹26,000 and ₹30,000 on her behalf.

Final Payment and Realization

On July 8, the impostors claimed the package remained unclaimed beyond allowed deadlines, triggering an additional administrative fee. The victim issued a cheque for ₹87,000 on July 9 to resolve the issue. It was only after continued pressure for further payments that she recognized the scam and reported the incident to the Konaje police station.

Cybercrime Experts’ Warning

Cybercrime experts warn that such schemes rely on psychological manipulation, leveraging fear and urgency to extract funds. Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybersecurity analyst and former IPS officer, highlighted that fraudsters often establish prolonged online relationships before deploying tactics involving fabricated legal or financial obligations. He emphasized that legitimate customs authorities and government agencies never request payments through personal UPI accounts, instant transfer apps, or private banking details.

Investigations and Advice

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities analyzing mobile numbers, UPI transaction records, and bank statements to trace the financial flow and identify the perpetrators. Individuals encountering suspicious delivery claims are advised to verify information through official government channels and report incidents to local cybercrime units immediately. Scammers frequently exploit social media platforms to initiate contact, making it critical for users to remain vigilant against unsolicited communications regarding international shipments.