Delivery & Customs Scams in UAE: Fake Parcel Fee Messages Explained
Parcel and customs-fee smishing is one of the most widespread scams in the UAE. Fraudsters send SMS and WhatsApp messages impersonating Emirates Post, Aramex, or Fetchr, claiming a package is 'held at customs' and that a small AED fee must be paid to release it. The payment link leads to a fake page that steals your card details. Because the amount is small and everyone is expecting a delivery, many people pay without a second thought.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“Emirates Post: Your parcel is on hold pending a customs fee of AED 3.75. Pay now to schedule delivery: emiratespost-clearance.com/pay”
Example 2
“Aramex: We attempted delivery but customs duty of AED 12 is unpaid. Settle here within 12 hours to avoid return: aramex-uae-delivery.net/customs”
Example 3
“Fetchr: Your shipment #AE83421 is awaiting a small clearance charge of AED 5.00. Confirm payment: fetchr-parcel-fee.online”
Warning Signs of a Delivery Scam in UAE
- ⚠SMS claims your parcel is held and asks for a small 'customs duty' or 'redelivery' fee (e.g. AED 3.50)
- ⚠The link goes to a lookalike domain, not the courier's official site (aramex.com, emiratespost.ae)
- ⚠You are not expecting any package, or the message gives no valid tracking number
- ⚠The payment page asks for full card number, expiry, CVV, and an OTP
- ⚠Message pressures you to pay within hours or the parcel will be 'returned to sender'
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1You receive an SMS or WhatsApp about a parcel held at UAE customs with a small fee due
- 2The link opens a convincing clone of Emirates Post, Aramex, or Fetchr
- 3You enter your card details and the small 'fee' to release the parcel
- 4The page then asks for the OTP your bank sends, which authorizes a much larger charge
- 5The scammer uses your card data for fraudulent transactions or sells it on
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Customs charges | Dubai Customs and couriers collect duty through official channels or on delivery, never via a random SMS link | Random SMS demanding a small AED fee through a link |
| Website link | emiratespost.ae, aramex.com, fetchr.us | emiratespost-clearance.com, aramex-uae-delivery.net, fetchr-parcel-fee.online |
| What they request | Tracking number lookup on the official app or site | Full card number, CVV, and OTP on a payment page |
| Urgency | Parcels are held for days with clear notice | 'Pay within 12 hours or it's returned' to force a quick mistake |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Do not click the link — check your parcel only via the courier's official app or website using your real tracking number
- ✓Remember Dubai Customs never sends payment links by SMS; duty is handled through official channels
- ✓If you entered card details, call your bank to block the card and dispute any charge
- ✓Report the scam to Dubai Police eCrime at ecrime.ae or Aman on 8002626, and forward spam SMS to the TDRA
- ✓Paste the suspicious message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Emirates Post or Aramex text a link to pay customs fees?
No. Emirates Post, Aramex, and Fetchr do not send SMS links asking for a small card payment to release a parcel. Any customs duty is handled through official channels or on delivery. Treat such messages as smishing.
The fee was only a few dirhams — why is it a scam?
The small fee is bait to capture your card number, expiry, CVV, and OTP. Once you enter the OTP, scammers can authorize a much larger transaction. The tiny amount is designed to lower your guard.
How do I check if I really have a parcel held at customs?
Open the courier's official app or type their website address yourself (emiratespost.ae, aramex.com) and enter your genuine tracking number. Never rely on a link or number from an unexpected SMS.
I paid the fake fee — what now?
Call your bank immediately to block the card and reverse any transaction, then change your online banking password. Report it to Dubai Police eCrime at ecrime.ae or Abu Dhabi's Aman on 8002626.
How do I report parcel scam SMS in the UAE?
Report cybercrime to Dubai Police eCrime (ecrime.ae) or call Aman on 8002626. You can also report unsolicited spam SMS to the TDRA, the UAE's telecom regulator.
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