Kochi woman loses ₹10.78 lakh in international gift scam
A 59-year-old woman from Vazhakkala, Kochi, lost ₹10.78 lakh after being tricked by a cyber fraudster.
The scammer, Morgan Kelvin Alen from Kakkanad, pretended to be a UK resident on social media and claimed he'd sent her a surprise package with gold, electronics, and British currency.
He later said the gift was stuck with Indian Customs at Delhi airport and pressured her to pay "customs duties" or face legal trouble.
Woman transferred money to several accounts before realizing it's con
Between July 27 and August 15, 2025, the woman transferred money to several accounts as demanded before realizing it was all a con.
She reported the incident to Thrikkakara police on September 19.
Police have filed an FIR against Alen and are tracking where the money went.
Officers say this is a common trick—fraudsters often use fake customs demands to target unsuspecting people online.
The investigation is ongoing as police verify the transactions through which the complainant lost the money.