How do I pay real customs fees?

Real import duties are usually handled through your courier's official tracking portal or via physical mail. You can also contact the courier directly using their official customer service number.

I already entered my card details. What should I do?

Contact your bank immediately to freeze your card. Scammers often wait a few days before making large fraudulent charges or selling your card data.

Why do I get these texts even when I haven't ordered anything?

Scammers send these messages to millions of numbers at once. They don't know if you've ordered anything; they just hope you have and will react without thinking.

Customs Checker

Verify 'Held in Customs' alerts before you pay.

Scammers send fake SMS and email alerts claiming a package is 'Held at the Warehouse' or 'Blocked by Customs'. They demand a small fee ($1-$3) for 'redelivery' or 'unpaid tax' to steal your credit card details.

Security Insight

Customs and delivery scams are the most common form of smishing. They rely on the fact that many people are frequently expecting a package. A real courier will never text you a link to pay a small fee to release a parcel.

Identifies fake 'Held in Customs' lures

Spots suspicious 'Import Fee' links

Protects your credit card data

Analyze a Customs Alert Delivery Scam Guide

How to spot a Customs Fee Scam

Real logistics companies and customs agencies follow established billing processes. Watch out for these specific red flags in any delivery-themed alert.

The 'Small Fee' for redelivery

Demanding a tiny payment (e.g., $1.99) is a trick to get you to enter your full credit card details on a fraudulent form.

Sent from a personal phone number

If the alert comes from a standard 10-digit mobile number instead of a verified business shortcode, it is 100% a scam.

Link to a non-official domain

Scammers use URLs like 'usps-redelivery.net' or 'customs-duty-pay.co' instead of the official ups.com, dhl.com, or fedex.com domains.

Urgent 'Return to Sender' threat

They claim your package will be destroyed or returned if the fee isn't paid within 12-24 hours to force a rushed decision.

What IsThisSpam checks before you trust a sender

Quick verdicts are useful, but the real value is understanding why something looks safe, uncertain, or risky.

No Tracking Number provided

Real customs alerts will always reference a specific, verifiable tracking number that you can check on the official courier site.

Requests for Card PIN or CSV

A legitimate payment portal will never ask for your PIN. A scam site will often ask for more data than is necessary for a simple fee.

The site uses a 'Countdown Timer'

Official government or logistics websites never use high-pressure sales tactics like countdown timers to collect fees.

Generic 'Valued Customer' greeting

Official alerts from companies you've shopped with will usually address you by name or reference your specific order ID.

Related guides

Use the checker for the fast answer, then read the deeper guidance for recurring scam patterns.

Parcel Delivery Scam Checker

Broad guide for identifying fake FedEx, UPS, and DHL alerts.

Read the guide

Australia Post Scam Checker

Specific guide for identifying fake AusPost and Aramex delivery lures.

Read the guide

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Analyze a Customs Alert Delivery Scam Guide