"I've sent you a package with a car, a Rolex, and $50,000 from the US. Just pay the customs fee to receive it." — This is an international fraud script.
The "Customs Package" Script
- "Foreign lover" announces sending a high-value gift
- A "customs officer/DHL agent" calls to confirm the package
- Requests "customs clearance fees", "import tax" — starting small then escalating
- Each payment triggers new fees: "insurance", "anti-money laundering"
The Truth
There is no package. This is an international Advance Fee Fraud. Scammers typically operate from Nigeria, Ghana, or Eastern Europe.
Rule
International shipping fees and taxes are always paid by the SENDER or included in shipping costs. Recipients are never asked to transfer money first.