Customs / Import Fee Scam

Scammers text or email that a parcel from overseas is being held by customs and needs a duty or handling fee paid before it can be delivered. The amount is deliberately small so paying feels easier than arguing. The payment page is fake and captures your card, and sometimes it also asks for ID details 'for customs.' Real carriers collect any genuine duties through official channels, not a texted link.

• A claim that a package is 'held in customs' awaiting a fee.
• A small, oddly specific amount like $2.99 or £1.50.
• A link to a payment page that is not the carrier's real site.
• Urgency that the parcel will be returned or destroyed.

• You were not expecting an international package.
• Customs fees are requested by text with a card-entry link.
• The sender or web address does not match a real carrier.
• It asks for ID or passport details along with payment.

These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.

• A small payment that also captures your card.
• Personal or ID details 'for customs.'
• To reuse your card for larger charges later.

• Do not pay through a texted or emailed link.
• Contact the carrier through its official website if you are truly expecting a parcel.
• Remember genuine customs duties are handled through official carrier channels.
• Delete and block.

• Fake Package Delivery Texts
• Address Verification Redelivery Scam
• Undeliverable Parcel Storage Fee Scam