Customs scams are on the rise: How to spot them and stay safe
Fraud and scam activity are on the rise, and the people behind them are constantly finding new ways to target people.
We’ve recently seen an increase in customs scams. These scams can look convincing and may appear to come from a trusted source.
The good news is that with the right information, you can spot these scams early and protect your account.
What is a customs scam?
A customs scam generally involves fraudsters pretending to be a delivery company.
They may contact you through:
- Text message
- Phone
Their goal is to trick you into giving up your card details or personal information.
How does this scam work?
While these scams can vary, they often follow a similar pattern:
- You get a text or email about a delivery fee
- It includes a link asking you to make a payment
- The link leads to a fake website that captures your details
These messages are designed to create urgency and encourage quick action.
Warning signs to watch out for
Scam messages or calls often include:
- A sense of urgency (e.g. “Act now” or “Your account will be locked”)
- Requests for personal or financial details
- Links to unfamiliar or slightly altered websites
- Messages that don’t feel quite right
If something feels off, it’s always worth taking a step back.
How to protect yourself
To help keep your account safe:
- Never share your PIN, passwords or one-time codes
- Don’t click links in unexpected messages
- Don’t give personal or card details to random callers
- Take your time, you don’t need to act immediately
- Always use official contact details if you need to check something
- If you are unsure of any links, use the Fraudsmart scam checker
What to do if you’re targeted
If you receive a message or call that you are unsure about:
- Don’t reply or click on any links
- Don’t share any personal or financial information
- Contact us directly using trusted contact details
- Check our security advice for further advice
Learn more and stay protected
Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud.
You can find more information on how to protect yourself by visiting our Security Centre or on the FraudSMART website.
We’ll continue to monitor emerging scams and keep you updated when there’s something important to know.
Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.