The Ministry of Finance has issued a warning to the public about the increasing number of financial scams disguised as Indian Customs operations. In a post on its official Twitter account, the ministry alerted the public to the tactics used by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
The ministry shared a cautionary poster highlighting the Matrimonial Dating Scam and reminded the public that the Indian Customs authorities would never initiate communication via text messages or calls requesting payment for customs duty. To ensure the authenticity of correspondence originating from Indian Customs, the ministry emphasized the importance of being vigilant for the Document Identification Number (DIN), a crucial element present in all official communication.
To verify the DIN, citizens were directed to the official website of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The ministry stressed the need for caution and vigilance, stating that Indian Customs never calls or sends SMS messages asking for payment of customs duty in personal bank accounts.
Recent incidents have underscored the seriousness of these scams. In one case in Thane, Maharashtra, an unsuspecting police officer was duped out of Rs 6.7 lakh by individuals posing as customs officials. They claimed they could secure the officer a discounted vehicle, leading to a case being registered against the perpetrators.
Another incident took place outside Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where a 53-year-old laborer from Ajmer, Rajasthan, was defrauded of over Rs 4 lakh in foreign currency. Two men disguised as customs officials orchestrated the heist.
The Ministry of Finance’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of skepticism and due diligence when faced with such scams. By relying on official channels and verifiable identifiers, financial malfeasance can be curbed.
In order to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent practices, individuals are advised to be cautious and verify any communication purporting to be from Indian Customs. The ministry’s proactive step emphasizes the criticality of skepticism and the value of official channels in preventing financial scams.
By remaining vigilant and following the recommended verification process, individuals can safeguard themselves against financial scams disguised as Indian Customs operations. It is crucial to exercise caution and rely on official channels to protect against fraud.
