Romance 'Help Me Pay Customs on a Gift' Scam Examples
An online romantic contact claims a valuable gift or package has been held at customs and needs you to pay a release fee — a classic romance scam escalation designed to extract money.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Darling, I sent you a beautiful gift but it is stuck at customs. They are asking for [amount] to release it. Can you help just this once?
I am so sorry — the package I sent from [country] has been held. If you pay the customs fee of [amount] I will pay you back when I arrive.
My gift for you is at the border post. I cannot access money from here. A small fee of [amount] will get it released. Please help.
The courier is asking for a release payment of [amount]. I will repay you when we finally meet. Please do this for us.
What the scammer wants
To extract money under the guise of a customs fee, with the 'gift' and the 'relationship' both being entirely fabricated. Each payment leads to a new fee demand.
Red flags in the message
- You have never met this person in real life
- They claim to be overseas or in a remote location unable to access funds
- A 'gift' you did not ask for is being sent
- Each payment leads to a new request for another fee
- They ask for wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards rather than a refund
- Any refusal to video-call in real time
A safe response
Do not send money. No legitimate customs or courier service will contact a recipient to pay a release fee — these are always paid by the sender. Stop contact and seek support.
What not to send
- Wire transfer or bank payments
- Gift card codes
- Cryptocurrency
What to do if you already replied
- Stop all contact with the person immediately
- Contact your bank to report the transfer and explore recall options
- Reach out to a support line for romance scam survivors — you are not at fault
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