Fake Customs/Import Fees
Your international package is held — pay clearance fees
Emails or texts claiming your international package is being held at customs and you must pay import duties, taxes, or clearance fees before it can be delivered. Often uses DHL, FedEx, or national postal service branding.
What to Watch For
- Customs fees are collected at delivery, not upfront by email
- Requires payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
- The tracking number doesn't work on the carrier's real website
- Package description is vague ("electronics" or "documents")
Examples
""DHL Customs: Your international shipment #DHL8827461 is being held at customs. Pay the import duty of $29.99 at dhl-customs-clearance.com to release your package.""
Why it works: The small fee amount ($29.99) seems reasonable for customs. People who order internationally expect to pay duties, so the request feels normal.
What to Do
Customs duties are collected at delivery, not by email. Verify any international shipments at the carrier's official website. DHL, FedEx, and UPS never demand customs fees through email links.