Package Customs Fee Text Scam Script
Texts claiming to be from customs or a postal service demand a small fee to release a held parcel, directing victims to a phishing page that captures card details.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Royal Mail: your parcel is held at customs. A [amount] import fee is due. Pay within 48h to avoid return: [fake link]
USPS: package [tracking number] is awaiting customs clearance. A [amount] duty payment is required: [fake link]
Customs notice: your international shipment requires a [amount] release payment. Please pay here: [fake link]. This is time-sensitive.
Your parcel from [country] has incurred import duties of [amount]. Pay now to release your package within 24 hours: [fake link]
What the scammer wants
To direct you to a fake payment page where your card number, expiry, CVV, and billing address are harvested for fraud — the small fee amount makes victims less cautious.
Red flags in the message
- Unexpected customs fee demand by text message
- A link that does not match the official postal service domain
- No parcel reference you recognise from an actual order
- Tight deadline — 24 or 48 hours to pay or parcel returned
- Request for full card details including CVV on a web form
A safe response
Do not click the link. Search for the official customs or postal service website and enter any tracking number there directly. Legitimate customs bills in many countries arrive by post, not SMS.
What not to send
- Card details or CVV
- Online banking credentials
- Any fee via the link in the text
What to do if you already replied
- Call your bank immediately if card details were entered
- Report the text to your mobile carrier (forward to 7726 in UK/US)
- Check your statements for unexpected charges
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times