Parcel Held at Customs Scam
High RiskOverview
Scammers send SMS or emails claiming your Amazon or eBay order is being held at customs. You're asked to click a link and pay a small "release fee" or provide address and card details. There is no parcel – this is a phishing attack designed to steal your financial information.
What This Scam Looks Like
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Your parcel from Amazon is being held at Dublin customs facility. A customs clearance fee of €2.50 is required before release. Track & Pay: https://ie-customs-release.com/AMZ892741 Your parcel will be returned to sender if not claimed within 48 hours. - Irish Customs Authority
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Typical Targets
- •Online shoppers expecting deliveries
- •People who frequently order from overseas
- •Anyone during peak shopping seasons (Christmas, Black Friday)
- •Older adults less familiar with customs procedures
Why This Scam Works
- •Many people are expecting parcels and don't track every order
- •Post-Brexit customs confusion makes fees seem plausible
- •Small amounts (€1.50-€3) seem harmless
- •Messages create urgency with "parcel will be returned" threats
- •Professional-looking fake websites with logos
Real Example
“A Cork woman received a text saying her parcel was held at Dublin Port and required a €1.95 customs fee. The link led to a convincing An Post-branded page. After entering her card details, criminals made purchases totalling €2,300 from various online retailers before she noticed.”
* Details changed to protect privacy. Based on reported cases.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Never click links in unexpected delivery messages
- Track parcels only through official retailer apps or websites
- Legitimate customs fees are collected on delivery or via official channels
- Check the sender's phone number or email address
- When in doubt, contact the retailer directly
- An Post and couriers don't request fees via text links
If You've Been Caught Out
Don't panic – take these steps immediately:
- 1Contact your bank immediately to report the fraud
- 2Cancel your card and request a new one
- 3Monitor your statements for unusual transactions
- 4Report to An Garda Síochána
- 5Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report to your mobile provider
- 6Change passwords if you entered any login credentials
* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
Who to Contact for Help
Your Bank's Fraud Line
Check your card
Report immediately
An Post Customer Service
01 705 7600
Verify legitimate messages
An Garda Síochána
999 / 112
Report the crime
Report Scam Texts
7726
Forward suspicious texts
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