Beware of “Parcel on Hold” Messages: Government Issues Warning Against Rising Courier Scam

If you’ve recently received a message saying “Your parcel is on hold”, it’s time to stay alert. Cybercriminals are now using fake courier alerts to trick people into revealing their banking details. The Ministry of Home Affairs, through its Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Cyber Dost, has issued an official warning to the public about this growing online fraud.

What Is the “Parcel on Hold” Scam?

This is a phishing-based cyber scam in which fraudsters impersonate courier companies or e-commerce platforms. They send messages via SMS or WhatsApp, claiming that your parcel is stuck due to an incomplete address or pending payment.

A typical message reads:

“Your parcel is on hold due to incomplete address/payment. Click the link to release it.”

The message often includes a fake link or asks for OTP verification. Once the victim clicks the link or shares the OTP, scammers gain access to sensitive financial data and drain money from the victim’s bank account.

How the Scam Works

Fake message creation: Fraudsters send convincing messages using names and logos similar to genuine courier companies.

Phishing link or OTP trap: Victims are told to click a link or provide OTP to “release” their parcel.

Account breach: Once the OTP is shared or the fake link is opened, scammers capture banking details, leading to immediate fund transfers.

These scams are crafted with high precision, often using professional language and fake tracking numbers, making them seem authentic.

Government and Cyber Experts’ Warning

The Cyber Dost division of the Home Ministry has highlighted a sharp increase in such courier scams. According to officials, thousands of users have fallen prey to these messages in recent months, losing money directly from their linked bank accounts or UPI apps.

Authorities have emphasized that no legitimate courier company ever asks for payment or OTP through messages. Genuine updates are always shared via official websites or mobile applications.

How to Stay Safe from Parcel Scams

To avoid becoming a victim of such cyber frauds, the following steps are recommended:

• Do not click on links received from unknown numbers or unofficial sources.

• Never share OTPs, bank details, or card numbers with anyone, regardless of the reason.

• Verify parcel status only through the official courier website or e-commerce app.

• Delete suspicious messages immediately or mark them as spam.

• Keep your mobile and banking apps updated and install reliable antivirus software.

• If a message looks suspicious, take a moment to cross-check with the company’s customer care before taking any action.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect that your personal or banking information has been compromised, act quickly:

Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately.

Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in to file an official complaint.

Inform your bank right away and request them to freeze your account temporarily.

If the fraud occurred via an e-commerce or social media platform, report the incident through their official support channels as well.

Timely action can increase the chances of recovering your money and prevent further misuse of your data.

The Bottom Line

Cybercriminals are constantly inventing new ways to deceive people, and “parcel on hold” messages are their latest tool. As online shopping grows, so does the risk of fake courier alerts. Staying cautious, verifying every message, and never sharing sensitive information are your best defenses against these scams.

The government’s message is clear — think before you click, and report before you lose.