When “Gifts” Turn Sinister: The Silent Social Media Scam Targeting Indian Women

The Friendly Request That Changed Everything

It generally initiates with a straightforward friend request only – a very attractive profile, courteous messages, and talks of the day. Scammers usually take their time to build trust with their victims and they often pretend to be professionals from a foreign country. Their ultimate goal is one, to be emotionally connected with the victim which later leads to domination of the victim.

Lavish Gifts – The Bait

Once trust has been established, the fraudster imparts information running the gamut of luxury gifts such as the latest model of a smartphone, a bottle of perfume, or exquisite jewelry– asserting that they’ve dispatched them already. It is this that excites the person… and the trap is sealed.

Fake Customs Call & Urgent Demand

Thereafter, the victim will receive a call from a person who will pretend to be the “customs official” and will inform the victim that there is a hold on the parcel and they will ask for money in order to “release” it. They will also warn of legal action and the involvement of government agencies. The victim is pushed into a panic, readiness to act fast, by the threats made.

From Emotional Bond to Blackmail

When the contact refuses to hand over the money, the characters that hold the reins of the apartment building will use leverage to go on with the threats. Scammers may have recorded some parts of the video chat or stolen some private conversation and blackmail victims with that, asking for money. Quite a few victims who out of fear pay and thus tend to borrow money from friends.

Why Many Women Don’t Report It

The element of shame is the biggest weapon that is wielded by the scammers. The victims do not dare to go to the police and report their case because of the social stigma and fear of being judged. The silence that they keep makes the trick even stronger and more frequent.

How the Scam Operates – Step by Step

● Befriend the victim online

● Build emotional trust

● Send fake gift images

● Fake customs call & payment requests

● Threats & blackmail if refused

Safety Tips to Stay Protected

✔ Avoid video calls and deep chats with strangers

✔ Never share personal details like address, ID, or bank info

✔ No real customs department will ask for money via WhatsApp/UPI

✔ If threatened — block, report, and talk

✔ Use 1930 cyber helpline or cybercrime.gov.in for filing complaints

Final Warning

Silence can prove to be dangerous in the social media era when on top of that, kindness may be exploited. Protection is best done through the great arsenal of defence that consists of awareness, prompt action and holding the ‌ ‍ ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌talk.