Romance Scam 'Customs Fee on a Gift' Message Examples
After weeks of online courtship, the scammer claims to have sent a valuable gift — jewellery, cash, or a device — and says it has been held by customs requiring an urgent fee to release it to the victim.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
My darling, I sent you a gift worth [amount] — gold jewellery and some cash. The customs office says there is a [amount] clearance fee before they can deliver it to you. I am stuck abroad and cannot pay. Can you cover it and I will repay you the moment I am back?
The package I shipped to you has been stopped at [airport] customs. They require [amount] duty payment. I tried to pay from here but my card is blocked internationally. Please pay and send me the receipt — I promise to transfer it back with interest.
Hi love, a courier company just emailed me — the surprise I sent you requires a [amount] import duty at your local office. I am so embarrassed to ask but I cannot access my accounts from here. Could you pay and I will wire you back double as soon as I land?
What the scammer wants
To extract money repeatedly under the guise of releasing a parcel that does not exist, often escalating with new fees each time the victim pays.
Red flags in the message
- An online partner you have never met in person claiming to send an expensive gift
- A 'customs fee' arising shortly after a romantic relationship establishes financial trust
- Requests to pay via bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card
- The partner is always abroad, in the military, or otherwise unable to pay themselves
- Multiple escalating fees after each payment
A safe response
No parcel exists. This is a classic romance scam escalation tactic. Do not send money. Talk to someone you trust about the relationship before taking any financial action.
What not to send
- Any customs or clearance fee payment
- Gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Bank transfer to an unknown account on behalf of an online contact
What to do if you already replied
- Stop all contact with the person and do not send further payments
- Report to the national romance-fraud reporting line and your bank
- Seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or victim support service
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