**Beware of the New Amazon Parcel Cash-on-Delivery (COD) Scam in Pune**
While new cyber scams with different tricks emerge daily, Pune is witnessing a troubling new fraud method. Scammers, disguised as delivery personnel, are coming to doorsteps with parcels and requesting payment for items that residents never ordered.
### What Is the Amazon Parcel COD Scam?
The Amazon parcel cash-on-delivery (COD) scam involves fraudsters sending unordered items to customers and demanding payment upon delivery. Their aim is to deceive recipients into paying for goods they did not request.
These scammers often arrive at your home with a parcel displaying the Amazon logo along with your name and address, making the delivery seem legitimate. They may assure you that if there’s any double payment, you will be refunded. In some instances, they share a payment link that directs you to a fake payment gateway.
In more sophisticated cases, scammers might ask you to share the OTP (One-Time Password) received on your phone, which they claim is sent by their associate. Sharing this OTP can allow them to clone your mobile device, gaining unrestricted access to your smartphone and bank accounts.
### A Real-Life Incident from Baner
Speaking to *The Free Press Journal*, a couple from Baner shared their experience:
“A delivery person came to our house and handed over a parcel. My wife’s name and address were correctly mentioned on the package. He said it was cash on delivery, so I paid, thinking it was one of the many parcels arriving due to recent sales. I didn’t suspect anything at that moment. But later, when my wife mentioned that she hadn’t ordered any COD parcel, we opened it and found just a shady cloth inside.
Upon contacting Amazon’s customer service, we realized it was a scam that has been happening frequently these days. Since the amount involved is usually low, many people avoid filing police complaints. The surprising part was that the parcel appeared legit — with the Amazon logo and correct details. Everyone should be cautious.”
### Police Advice and Precautions
A police official from the Cyber Police Station emphasized the need for vigilance during any transaction. Fraudsters are creating fake applications mimicking genuine online marketplaces and using various tactics to trap unsuspecting individuals.
To protect yourself:
– Always verify the legitimacy of unsolicited parcels before making payments.
– Avoid clicking on suspicious payment links sent via messages.
– Never share OTPs with anyone.
– If in doubt, contact the official customer service of the online marketplace directly.
Stay alert and help spread awareness to keep your community safe from such scams.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/punes-new-amazon-cod-scam-unordered-parcels-delivered-as-scammers-seek-to-clone-phones-and-access-bank-accounts-click-here-to-know-how-they-do-it
