Customs Issues High Alert After Fraudsters Impersonate Officials at Bengaluru Airport
Scammers pose as Customs officers to extort money from passengers’ families using fake detention claims.
The Customs department at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, has issued a high alert warning the public about a fraud racket in which impostors are posing as Customs officials to cheat people and extort money.
According to Customs officials, fraudsters are targeting unsuspecting citizens—especially those from economically weaker sections—by exploiting fear and urgency through phone calls, social media platforms, and messaging apps.
The scammers falsely claim that a passenger arriving from abroad has been detained by Customs and demand immediate payment to “settle” the matter. Victims are told that failure to pay could result in jail time or harassment of their relatives.
Issuing a strong warning, the Customs Commissioner clarified that genuine Customs officials never contact individuals by phone, WhatsApp, or social media to demand money. “Customs does not accept payments into personal bank accounts or UPI IDs. All government payments are made only through authorised counters or official online portals with proper receipts,” the official said.
Explaining how the fraud works, Customs officials said the scammers often first establish contact with victims online or through personal interactions. Later, they claim that a friend or family member has been stopped at the airport for duty violations. Under pressure and fear, victims are persuaded to transfer money to personal bank accounts or digital wallets. Once the payment is made, the fraudsters disappear and stop responding.
The department also clarified that passengers are not harassed for non-payment of duty and that all Customs procedures at the airport are conducted strictly as per the law and under CCTV surveillance.
Customs authorities have urged the public to stay alert and ignore any calls or messages demanding money in the name of Customs officials. People who receive such calls or fall victim to the scam have been advised to report the matter immediately by emailing commrapacc-cusblr@gov.in or by contacting the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
Officials warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in impersonation and fraud.
