Customs sounds alert over impostors cheating people at Bengaluru airport

Bengaluru: The Customs department at Kempegowda International Airport has issued a high alert after uncovering a scam in which fraudsters are impersonating Customs officials to dupe and extort money from unsuspecting citizens.

Officials said the racket primarily targets vulnerable individuals, including those from economically weaker backgrounds, by creating panic and a sense of urgency through phone calls, social media platforms and messaging apps. The impostors falsely claim that a passenger arriving from overseas has been detained by Customs and insist that immediate payment is required to “settle” the matter.

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Cautioning the public, the Customs commissioner clarified that genuine Customs officers never contact individuals over phone calls, WhatsApp or social media to demand fines or penalties. “Customs does not accept payments into personal bank accounts. All official transactions are carried out only through authorised government counters or designated online portals, with proper receipts,” the commissioner said.

Elaborating on the method used by the scammers, officials explained that the fraudsters often first establish contact with potential victims online or in person. They later approach them with a fabricated claim that a friend or relative has been stopped at the airport, pressuring them to transfer money quickly.

The department has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any such suspicious calls or messages to the authorities, warning that falling for such ploys could lead to significant financial losses.

(with inputs from agencies)