A 54-year-old woman in Mangaluru fell victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing Rs 29 lakh after being befriended on Facebook by a man claiming to be a cardiologist in the Netherlands. The fraudsters promised to send gold and foreign currency, then extracted money under the pretext of customs duties and storage charges.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to the complaint, the woman connected with a man identifying himself as Dr Clinton Smith on Facebook in May 2025. He later moved the conversation to WhatsApp, claiming to be a cardiologist working in the Netherlands. After building trust through frequent exchanges, he informed her that he was sending a parcel containing foreign gold and US dollars. He obtained her residential address in Mumbai for delivery.
Fake Customs Officials Demand Payment
The complainant was then notified that the parcel had arrived at Delhi International Airport but was detained by customs. Unknown persons posing as customs officials contacted her, demanding payment of customs duty to release the parcel. They provided a phone number for a person named Tushar, purportedly a customs officer. Tushar allegedly told her that besides customs duty, she must pay storage charges of Rs 5,000 per day to secure the parcel's release.
Believing the claims, the woman transferred money in stages from her bank account to various accounts specified by the fraudsters, totaling Rs 29 lakh. The fraud occurred between June 6, 2025, and May 8, 2025.
No Parcel Arrives
The fraudsters later said the parcel would be sent to Mangaluru International Airport. The complainant went to the airport and waited, but no parcel arrived. After repeated calls and messages went unanswered, Dr Clinton Smith allegedly informed her the parcel had been returned from Mumbai to Delhi.
A case has been registered at the CEN crime police station. Authorities urge citizens to verify such requests and avoid transferring money to unknown individuals.
