Bengaluru, December 26, 2025 – The Customs department at Kempegowda International Airport has issued a high alert to the public following the detection of a fraud racket involving impostors posing as Customs officials. These scammers are targeting innocent citizens, particularly those from economically weaker sections, by exploiting their fear and urgency through phone calls, social media, and messaging platforms.

The modus operandi involves fraudsters falsely claiming that a passenger arriving from abroad has been detained by Customs and demanding immediate payment to resolve the issue. They often threaten victims with jail time or harassment unless customs duty or fines are paid immediately, prompting them to transfer large sums of money to personal bank accounts, UPI IDs, or digital wallets. Once the money is transferred, the fraudsters cut off all communication.

The Customs department has clarified that its officials never contact people via phone, WhatsApp, or social media to demand payments of fines or penalties. They also emphasized that they do not accept money into personal bank accounts. All official payments to the government are made only through authorized counters or online portals with proper receipts. Furthermore, the department assures that no passenger is harassed for non-payment of duty, and all official procedures are carried out strictly as per the law and under CCTV surveillance at the airport.

To avoid falling prey to these scams, the Customs department urges the public to remain vigilant and not respond to calls or messages seeking money in the name of Customs officials. Victims or recipients of such calls have been asked to report the incidents to the authorities.

This alert follows a previous incident where Bengaluru Customs officials arrested two passengers arriving from Bangkok for attempting to smuggle cigarettes worth Rs 8.16 lakh. The passengers were intercepted while attempting to cross the Green Channel, and further investigation is ongoing. In another incident, Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport seized exotic wildlife species and drugs worth over Rs 1 crore and arrested three passengers arriving from Bangkok.

These incidents highlight the importance of remaining cautious and informed to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a Customs official and never make payments through unofficial channels.