When an e-mail arrives from Customs, the anticipation of a package is quickly over. But wait a minute, is this really true? RUHR24 knows the facts about counterfeits.
Dortmund – A shopping trip to USA, Japan or Australia can be so easy. Grab your smartphone, tablet or laptop, select an international shop and off you go. Because many shops offer international shipping. However, scammers also take advantage of this. In a fake e-mail from Customs, they want to steal the package for Customs.
| authority | Federal Customs Administration |
| supervisory authority | federal finance ministry |
| authority management | President Colette Hercher |
Said package didn’t arrive: Fraudsters want to tap Customs
Above all, those who are currently expecting packages from other EU countries are affected by the current scam. Although these goods may in fact be charged, the actions of scammers have nothing to do with customs.
Fake emails from criminals are louder Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia Been around for a while and kept popping up. The process and content of messages are usually the same. E-mails often come from senders like “[email protected]” or “[email protected]” and seem half-serious too.
Parcel reportedly stuck at customs: fraudsters targeting Paysafecard
The message then informs the recipient that the parcel cannot be delivered to them until customs duty has been paid. Scammers ask you to pay a fee between 50 and 100 euros with the so-called Paysafecard.
According to the NRW Consumer Advice Center this is what a fake custom e-mail might look like:
Dear customer,
Your package sent on 05/04/2022 is being processed. For us to deliver your package, VAT cost will be charged from the importer.
According to current customs regulations, any import from a country outside the European Community of commercial value of more than 34.99 Euros is taxed, regardless of the type of goods.
Article 134-I and II-1 ° of the CGI: LAW n° 2012-1510 of May 03, 2017 – Art. 68(V) Verification of Paysafecard balance is valid for payment of customs duty.
In order to allow your package to be delivered to your home address, we ask you to regulate your unpaid customs duty by following the steps below to complete the delivery of the package:
1. Buy a Paysafecard PIN Online (100 Euros)
2. Send the PIN code (16 digits) to the following address: Customer Service@ Deutsch-zoll .de
3. You will receive an email with your new package code and link to confirm your mailing address is correct
Regards,
ZOLL Customer Service
This service provider sells prepaid pin codes. Anyone possessing such a code can freely settle the credit, allow fraudsters to pay the amount paid or use it over the Internet. The problem with the case – especially for the injured side: it’s hard to locate. often the money goes away (more current alert on RUHR24).
Parcel stuck in customs? Authority points out and suggests fraud
Anyone who has already sent the code but still notices fraud can quickly try to block Paysafecard. it is running payment service provider website, However, the option only exists until the code has been redeemed – so consumers should act quickly.
The package is said to have been stuck in customs? Consumers should beware of this mail.
© Ronnie Hartman / Imago
Customs also cautions against this approach and states that customs duties are to be paid in Deutsche Bundesbank without the exception of accounts of the Federal Treasury. Customs also states the following:
- Customs does not maintain any accounts with foreign banks where IBAN does not start with DE.
- Cryptocurrencies or currencies other than the euro are not required by the Customs Administration.
- Customs will never ask for payment through a Prepaid Payment Service Provider.
- Requests for payment are never sent by e-mail or SMS, but by post. The exception is if you have expressly consented to be contacted via email.
- Genuine information always contains the name and telephone number of the processor responsible.
This means that this type of email can be safely ignored and moved to the Spam folder. Especially if you’re not expecting a package from abroad anyway.
List of rubrics: © Ronnie Hartman / Imago
