Learn Delivery & tariff fees
Lesson
Delivery, customs and tariff fee scams
A text or email says a package is held until you pay a small fee. The fee is the bait; your card details are the prize.
What it often looks like
"Your package is on hold. Pay a $1.99 redelivery fee to release it."
"A new import tariff is due on your parcel before customs will release it."
"We couldn't deliver your order. Confirm your address and card."
How the scam works
- Scammers send millions of these messages at once. Many people really are expecting a package, so the message feels believable.
- The fee is tiny on purpose, so paying it feels harmless. But the page is a fake that collects your full card number, expiry date and security code.
- Once they have your card, they make larger charges or sell the details. Some pages also ask for your address, date of birth or a one-time code.
- News about new tariffs and import fees gives scammers a fresh, believable reason to ask for money.
Red flags
- A surprise fee for a package, especially one you weren't expecting
- A link in a text or email instead of the store's or carrier's own app
- Urgency: "pay within 24 hours or the package is returned"
- A web address that doesn't quite match the company (extra words, odd endings)
- Asking for a card to pay a few dollars, or for a one-time code
What to do instead
- Don't tap the link. Open the store's or carrier's app or website yourself, and look up the tracking number from your original order.
- If you're not sure whether you ordered something, check your order history or ask the family member who usually orders for you.
- Real customs charges for an order are normally handled by the seller or shown in the official tracking page, not by a surprise text.
- Delete the message. You can forward scam texts to 7726 (spells SPAM) to report them to your mobile carrier.
If you already clicked, paid or shared something
It happens to careful, smart people. Acting quickly helps most.
- If you entered card details, call the number on the back of your card and ask for a new card.
- Watch your statement for charges you don't recognize over the next few weeks.
- If you entered a password, change it from the real app or website.
Remember: Real deliveries can wait a day. Check the package in the official app, never through a link in a message.
Check or report
AARP's free Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) will also talk you through what to do, whether or not you're a member.