The 'held parcel, pay a customs fee' scam

Scammers send fake messages claiming you have a parcel stuck in customs that requires a fee to release—but you never ordered anything, or the fee seems wrong.

Documented by the FTC, USPIS & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-10

How it works

You receive a text, email, or call appearing to be from a delivery or customs agency, saying a package is waiting but held due to unpaid fees. The message creates urgency by suggesting the parcel will be returned or destroyed if you don't pay quickly. They direct you to click a link or call a number to 'resolve' it right away.

What it can look like

Someone gets a text saying 'Your parcel is held at customs. Pay a $15 fee here [link] to release it.' They don't remember ordering anything international, but the official-looking message makes them worry—until they realize they never used that delivery service and the link looks suspicious.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You receive a text, email, or call saying a package is waiting for you but customs or delivery fees are due before it can be released. The message includes a tracking number or looks like it's from a shipping company.

You're told the fee is small and urgent—the package will be returned or destroyed if you don't pay within hours. The sender creates a sense that this is a routine, official requirement.

You're given a link to click or asked to pay via wire transfer, gift card, or prepaid card. Payment feels safer because it looks like you're paying an official entity.

After you pay, the package never arrives. When you try to contact the sender, the number is disconnected, the email bounces, or nobody responds. You realize there was no real package.

Red flags

You don't remember ordering anything, especially not internationally
The message includes a suspicious link or asks you to call an unfamiliar number
Urgent language demanding immediate payment to avoid losing the parcel
The sender's email address or phone number doesn't quite match the real company's official contact info
They ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency rather than standard billing

What to do

Don't click the link or call the number in the message; instead, go directly to the official website of the delivery company and check your account or call their verified customer service number
If you're unsure whether a parcel is real, ask yourself: Did I order it? Do I recognize the sender? Legitimate customs fees are rare for personal parcels, and real agencies won't demand quick payment via text
Report the scam message to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov so others stay protected

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop all contact with the sender immediately. Do not send any more money or personal information, even if they claim your payment failed or is pending.
Contact your bank or card issuer right away and tell them you were scammed. If you paid by wire transfer, gift card, or prepaid card, report it to that company as well. They may be able to recover funds if you act quickly.
Change the password on any email account or online profile you used during contact with the scammer, and enable two-factor authentication if available.
Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the phone number, email, link, or message you received, and any payment details. Keep copies of all messages and receipts.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC, USPIS & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-10.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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