Someone I met online sent me a parcel and now customs wants a fee. Is it real?
Almost certainly not. A parcel that gets "stuck" at Entebbe with a fee to release it is a well-known romance scam. The agent who calls you is usually part of the same scam.
The partner promises a gift, often money, gold or phones. A few days later someone calls claiming to be from the airport, a courier or customs, and asks for a clearance fee, then a tax, then a fine.
Real courier and customs charges are paid through official channels, not to a personal mobile money number.
What to do
- Do not pay any fee to release a parcel you did not order.
- Do not share your ID or photos with the "agent".
- Look up the courier company yourself and call its official number.
- Stop sending money and talk to someone you trust.
Frequently asked questions
- They sent a tracking number. Does that make it real?
- No. Fake tracking pages are easy to create. Search for the courier yourself instead of using the link they sent.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for USh 7,000.
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