The scam says a parcel is stuck, undelivered, or missing an address. A tiny fee or address update link lowers your guard, then the page asks for card, wallet, or OTP details.
Common script
What the message or call may sound like
Your package could not be delivered. Pay Rs 5 redelivery fee or update address within 12 hours.
Mechanism
Why this scam works
People are often expecting parcels, and a small fee feels harmless. The scam uses timing and convenience.
Red flags
Stop when you see these signals
Small redelivery, customs, or address-correction fee
Unknown short link instead of the courier app or official tracking page
OTP or card details requested for a tiny payment
Threat that the parcel will be returned today
WhatsApp number for courier support
A tracking link that asks for card details to pay a tiny fee
India Post or courier branding on a domain that is not the official one
A parcel you never ordered, described vaguely to make you curious
Do now
If this is happening to you
Check tracking inside the shopping or courier app.
Type the courier website yourself if needed.
Do not pay through the message link.
If card details were entered, call the bank and block the card.
Do not
Do not enter OTP for a tiny courier fee.
Do not install a courier APK.
Do not call the support number in the message.
Save evidence
SMS or WhatsApp screenshot
Tracking number shown in the message
Full suspicious URL
Payment attempt or bank alert details
Prevent repeat risk
Use only the shopping app, courier app, or typed official website for tracking.
Avoid saving card details on unfamiliar pages.
Warn family members during sale and festival seasons.
Track parcels only from the courier’s official app or website, typed yourself.
Remember that genuine customs duty is never collected through a chat link for a few rupees.
Not always, but message links asking for card details or OTPs are high risk. Confirm through the official app or typed website.
What if the tracking number looks real?
Scammers can include copied or random tracking numbers. Check it only on the official courier site.
Does India Post charge a fee through links to release parcels?
No. India Post does not collect release fees through payment links. Official duties are collected with documentation at delivery or through formal notices.
Why is the fee so small, like 25 or 49 rupees?
The fee is bait. The page’s real goal is your card number, CVV, and OTP. Once entered, the card can be drained with larger charges.
I paid the small fee. What should I do?
Block the card immediately from your bank app, watch for further charges, change related passwords, and report at cybercrime.gov.in. Call 1930 if a larger amount followed.