New Delhi. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has warned the public about fraud in the name of the Customs Department. CBIC also told how people can identify the methods of fraudsters.

In fact, in the recent past, many incidents of fraud by impersonating as Customs officials have come to light. Many people have shared their stories through social media and newspapers. This is the reason why CBIC has decided to make the public aware.

How do fraudsters cheat?

Fraudsters use digital means like phone calls or SMS to commit fraud and take advantage of people's fear. They target unknown people by calling, texting or emailing them by posing as courier employees or officials. These people claim that a package or parcel has arrived for you which is stuck in the customs department. To get it, you will have to pay customs duty or tax first.

Then a partner of the fraudsters poses as a customs/police/CBI officer and asks for customs duty/clearance fee for such packages/gifts. He will also scare you in many ways. Like your package or parcel has come from abroad. It contains drugs, fake passport or any other illegal thing. In such a case, if you do not pay the money, you will be fined and you will also have to go to jail.

CBIC says that the public should understand the scammer's way of committing fraud. They should protect their privacy. Whenever they receive such a call, they should immediately inform the police. CBIC is running a campaign on social media as well as giving advertisements in newspapers and TV to make the public aware.

It is important to take these precautions

• If you have not ordered any parcel, then as soon as you get a call about the parcel, understand that it is a scam.
• Even if a parcel is arriving to you, keep in mind that the Customs Department never calls and asks for fees.
• No personal information should be shared on such calls. You should even tell your name.
• Never share Aadhaar, OTP, bank account number, credit or debit card details on any unknown or suspicious call.
• The less you talk on such scam calls, the better it will be. Also, the police should be informed immediately.