Watchdog warns of spike in scam text messages, as new customs charges to take effect on 1 July

THE CONSUMER PROTECTION watchdog has warned the public to be alert to text message scams, as new customs charges are coming into effect on 1 July.

These scam texts may pose as a delivery or postage company asking the recipient to pay a fee.

From next month, deliveries shipped from outside the EU that are valued under €150 are no longer exempt from customs charges. A €3 fee will be applied to each item in an order.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is concerned that a spike in scam text messages will follow the change.

Grainne Griffin, the CCPC’s director of communications, said scammers will see it as an opportunity to for fraud.

“We saw a spike in scams when Brexit customs changes came in, and we expect to see the same with these new changes,” she said.

Any requests for payment that claim to be from Revenue will definitely be a scam.

Such charges are never paid directly by consumers to the Revenue Commissioners.

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An Post has also said they will never send people a click through link to pay charges.

“As consumers, we are most vulnerable to scams when we’re busy or distracted. Treat any text about customs charges with extreme caution. Take your time and don’t rush into paying anything,” said Griffin.

“If you pay through a scam link, you’re handing your card details to scammers so you could lose much more than that first payment.”

The CCPC is also warning online shoppers that purchases made now are subject to the new charges if the package reaches Ireland after 30 June.

“There is a very real risk that consumers may mistakenly think the changes apply to purchases made from 1 July. This is not the case,” said Griffin.

“It is important that online shoppers understand this and carefully check expected delivery dates when purchasing online.”

If customs charges are not paid in advance, then consumers will also have to pay an administrative fee to the delivery company, pushing the overall cost even higher.

The CCPC advises consumers to be very careful shopping online this week, and in the coming weeks, to avoid being stung with an unexpected bill from the delivery company.”

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