The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has released guidelines to safeguard people from the FedEx impersonation scam. According to a press release, 390 complaints have been registered in the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in the last two months in connection with this scam. The modus operandi of the scam involves the impersonator making a phone call to a person under the guise of a Fedex customer care representative. The suspect then claims that an illegal parcel has been returned under the name of the victim. 

The impersonator then proceeds to extract personal information, including the victim’s name, contact number, and Aadhar number. This causes confusion and tension in victims, who are made to believe that the returned parcel contained illegal items 

The victim is then transferred to a fake Mumbai Cyber Crime Police officer, who compels the victim to download Skype for further verification. In the name of investigation, the suspects falsely implicate the victim in money laundering activities. They promise government assistance and RBI intervention, such as issuance of a new Aadhaar card and updation of KYC details to secure the victim’s bank account. 

Finally, the victim is pressured into transferring a substantial sum of money to an account provided by the fake RBI investigating officer, to aid the investigation. 

As per the guidelines: 

1. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a company or organisation unexpectedly, be cautious.

2. Always verify the identity of the caller by asking for official contact information and independently confirming it through legitimate channels. For example, look up the official customer service number of the company or organisation and call them directly to inquire about the issue.

3. Do not engage in financial transactions under pressure.

4. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, or passwords, over the phone or online unless you are absolutely certain of the recipient's legitimacy.

5. Reach out to your nearest police station for assistance.

6. Keep yourself informed about common scams and tactics used by fraudsters. This awareness can help you recognize red flags and protect yourself from falling victim to deception.

Further the Cyber Crime Wing has released a toll free number 1930 and a website www.cybercrime.gov.in  to register complaints regarding such cases.