Scam Romance scams: the gift stuck at customs
If someone you've never met in person needs money, especially for a 'gift', it's a scam.
Test yourself: how many would you spot?David (met on Instagram)
Darling, I sent you a gift from London: iPhone, gold watch and £20,000 cash. Customs officer will call you. Please pay ₹35,000 clearance fee.
SCAM
How it works
- A friendly profile builds a relationship over weeks.
- They send an expensive 'gift' or plan a visit.
- A 'customs officer' demands clearance fees, then more.
Red flags
- A partner who never video-calls or meets
- Gifts with cash inside
- Customs or 'airport' fees paid to personal accounts
Stay safe
- Reverse-search their photos
- Never pay fees for gifts or visits
- Talk to someone you trust before sending money
Already happened? Act fast
- Call 1930National Cyber Crime Helpline. The sooner you call, the better the chance of stopping the money.
- cybercrime.gov.inFile an online complaint. Keep screenshots and transaction IDs.
- Call your bankUse the number on your card to block cards, UPI or the account.
- Report on ChakshuReport fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages at sancharsaathi.gov.in.
Questions
Does customs call people to collect fees?
Genuine customs duty isn't collected this way over personal calls and UPI. Treat it as a scam.