Is a text saying my package is held in customs real?
Treat it with caution. Unexpected customs-fee texts with payment links are a well-known phishing method — verify through official channels only.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Customs-fee scam texts claim that a parcel cannot be delivered until a fee is paid, and include a link to a fake payment page. The fee is typically small and plausible, but entering your card details on the page gives the scammer your full card information.
Genuine customs or import duty notices from official agencies or carriers are usually sent by post or through the carrier's official app. If you are genuinely expecting an international parcel, go directly to the carrier's website and enter the tracking number there — never follow a link from a text.
Common red flags
- Unexpected text about a customs or import fee you didn't anticipate
- Link in the text leads to a domain that isn't the official carrier or customs authority
- Small fee demanded — often under £5 or $10 — to seem plausible
- Urgency such as 'your parcel will be destroyed or returned'
- No tracking number, or one that doesn't match the carrier's records
What to do now
- Do not click the link or enter payment details
- Check the carrier's official website directly using any tracking number you have
- Contact the carrier's official customer service if uncertain
- Report the text to your mobile provider (forward to 7726 in the UK/US)
- If you entered card details, call your bank immediately
Frequently asked questions
I am expecting an international package. Should I pay?
Only through official channels. Go directly to the carrier's website, enter the tracking number, and pay any duty there. Never pay via a link in a text.
How do I tell a real customs notice from a fake one?
Real notices usually arrive by post or through the carrier's verified app and direct you to the carrier's own website. A text link to an unfamiliar domain is the main tell.