Customs / Package Fee Scam

A romantic partner or online friend says they've shipped an expensive gift, only for the victim to later receive a message claiming the package is held at customs and needs a fee paid to be released.

• You never asked for or expected a gift
• The "customs agent" contacts you directly rather than an official carrier
• Asks for payment specifically via gift cards
• Tracking information looks unofficial or doesn't match a real carrier
• Creates urgency to pressure a fast decision
• The sender becomes hard to reach once the fee is requested