eSafe Academy

Package and Delivery

Customs Fee Scam

Customs Fee Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.

Example message

Customs Notice: Import fee of $2.14 is unpaid. Pay now to release parcel: customs-release.example

What it is

Customs Fee Scam is a package and delivery scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.

How it works

The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “Customs Notice: Import fee of $2.14 is unpaid. Pay now to release parcel: customs-release.example” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.

Red flags

  • Unexpected delivery problem
  • Small urgent fee
  • Link does not match the carrier
  • Request for card or address details

What to do

  • Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
  • Verify import fees through the carrier or official customs process, not through a text link.
  • If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.

If it already happened

  • Stop communicating with the sender.
  • Do not send more money or codes.
  • Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
  • Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.

Prevention tips

  • Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
  • Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
  • Verify import fees through the carrier or official customs process, not through a text link.
  • Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.

Related scam guides

USPS Text ScamFedEx Delivery ScamUPS Delivery Scam

Practice safely

Try the matching training scenario

Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.

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