Delivery & travel scams

Is this customs clearance fee text a scam?

Likely scam High risk SMS

Commonly seen since 2023. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.

Check your exact message

Example only - do not act on it

Example only: Your international parcel is held at customs. Pay the clearance fee to release it: [fake-link removed]

Why this message is suspicious

Genuine customs charges are handled by the courier through official channels, not random texts.
It pressures you about a held package.
The link collects card and personal details.

What the scammer wants

Card details
A 'clearance' payment
Personal data

Common variations

Import duty due
Customs holding your package
Pay tax to release delivery

Red flags to watch for

Urgency Suspicious Link Delivery Fee Payment Request

What to do now

Do not tap the link.
Check with the retailer and the courier's official site.
Never pay customs via a texted link.

What not to do

Do not pay the 'fee'.
Do not enter card details.
Do not call numbers in the text.

If you already responded

Act quickly - the sooner you respond, the more you can limit. Find the situation that matches what you did:

If you clicked a link: Close the page; if you entered card details, contact your bank and follow the clicked-a-link guide.

If you paid: Ask your bank to stop or dispute the charge and watch for follow-up scams.

If you shared a code, OTP, or login: Secure any linked account: change the password and contact the provider.

If you only clicked the link but entered nothing: close the page, don't enter anything, and watch the linked accounts for unusual activity. Full steps →

If you entered card details: contact your bank now to freeze the card and dispute charges, then watch your statement. Full steps →

If you shared an OTP or one-time code: the scammer may be logging in right now - change the password, sign out other sessions, and turn on app-based 2FA. Full steps →

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider immediately to try to stop or recall it, and report it. Full steps →

If you installed an app / gave remote access: disconnect from the internet, uninstall it, and change key passwords from a different, trusted device. Full steps →

If you shared passport, ID, or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert, and keep the evidence. Full steps →

Watch out for a second scam. People who've just lost money are often contacted again by a fake "recovery" service promising to get it back for an upfront fee. Legitimate recovery never starts with a fee paid to someone who contacted you - see recovery scams.

First time dealing with this? Start with the first 24 hours after a scam checklist and how to save evidence.

How to report it

Report through official channels for your country. Use our scam reporting directory to find the right authority, and never use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message itself. If an official link looks outdated, tell us so we can review it.

Official sources checked

FTC Consumer Advice - Imposter scams High reliability

Government alert
FBI IC3 - Senior US officials impersonated in malicious messaging campaign (2025) High reliability

Law-enforcement alert

Reviewed 2026-06-05. See our methodology for how we select sources.

Frequently asked questions

Are customs fees ever collected by text?

Genuine charges are handled by the courier through official channels. Verify on the courier's real website, never a texted link.