Delivery & Customs Payment Scam
Fake delivery messages demanding payment for non-existent packages
How this scam works
Scammers send messages claiming a package is waiting for you but requires payment for delivery, customs clearance, or address verification. These prey on people expecting actual deliveries, making them seem more credible.
The scam is particularly effective during festive seasons and sale periods when people are expecting multiple deliveries and may not remember exactly what they ordered.
Warning signs
- ⚠️Unexpected delivery you don't remember ordering
- ⚠️Requires payment for "customs" or "verification"
- ⚠️Link to pay doesn't match official courier website
- ⚠️Urgency: "Package will be returned if not paid today"
- ⚠️Generic tracking number you can't verify
- ⚠️Sender claims to be from courier but uses personal number
Real examples
“Your Amazon package could not be delivered due to incomplete address. Pay Rs.29 verification fee to update: amazn-delivery.com/verify”
Amazon never charges for address updates. Domain "amazn" (not amazon) is fake.
“India Post: Your international parcel is held at customs. Pay Rs.1500 duty charges to release. Track: indiapost-customs.in/pay”
Customs doesn't contact via SMS with payment links. Official domain is indiapost.gov.in
What to do
- ✓Check your actual orders on the official shopping app
- ✓Legitimate couriers don't charge for address updates
- ✓Never click links — go directly to official websites
- ✓If expecting a package, track it on the official courier site
- ✓Call the official courier helpline to verify
Related patterns
Electricity Disconnection Threat
Fake messages threatening power disconnection unless you pay immediately
“Your electricity will be disconnected tonight. Pay Rs.1500 now”
Fake KYC Update Scam
Fraudsters pose as banks demanding urgent KYC verification
“Your SBI account will be blocked. Update KYC immediately”