High riskRomance & Dating Scams

Romance Gift Parcel Customs Scam

In this scam, an online partner says they have sent you an expensive gift or a parcel of money, but it is held in customs and needs fees, taxes, or bribes that you must pay, for a parcel that does not exist.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance + advance-fee (customs)
Main red flag
A partner's 'gift parcel' held in customs that needs fees you must pay.
What to do first
Do not pay customs fees for a partner's gift; the parcel is not real.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, an online partner says they have sent you an expensive gift or a parcel of money, but it is held in customs and needs fees, taxes, or bribes that you must pay, for a parcel that does not exist.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'I've sent you a gift box with money and jewellery, but customs is holding it. Please pay the release fee and I'll repay you.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A partner sending an expensive gift or 'money parcel'
  • Customs fees, taxes, or bribes you must pay
  • A 'courier' or 'agent' contacting you for payment
  • Escalating fees to release the parcel
  • Avoidance of meeting in person

What to do

  • Do not pay any fees to release a partner's gift
  • Be aware the parcel and fees are fabricated
  • Ignore 'courier' or 'customs agent' demands
  • Report the profile and cease contact

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop paying, especially 'one final' release fee
  • Contact your bank or payment provider about payments
  • Keep messages as evidence and report it
  • Seek support

What not to do

  • Do not pay customs or release fees for a gift
  • Do not send money to a 'courier' or 'agent'
  • Do not believe escalating release demands

Similar scams

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Fake Customs Fee Text

This scam texts that a parcel is held in customs and a fee is due, linking to a fake page that collects your card and personal details.
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Inheritance Romance Scam

In this scam, an online partner claims to have a large inheritance or fortune they will share with you, but needs your help paying fees, taxes, or transfer costs to unlock it, which never ends.

Frequently asked questions

Is the gift parcel real?
No. The expensive gift or 'money parcel' does not exist. The customs fees, taxes, and 'agent' demands are the scam, and they escalate as long as you pay.
A courier or customs agent contacted me. Real?
These are part of the scam, working with the 'partner' to demand release fees. Genuine deliveries do not work this way.
I paid release fees. What now?
Stop paying, contact your bank or payment provider, keep evidence, report the profile, and seek support.
Why do they offer such generous gifts?
The promise of a valuable gift builds trust and justifies the 'customs fees' you are asked to pay. It is bait, not generosity.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.