On 29 October 2026, the Customs Administration of the MOF issued a public warning about a surge in fraud schemes where criminals impersonate customs officers via phone, messaging apps, or fake official letters. The scammers claim the victim has a package detained for containing prohibited goods, unpaid duties, or money laundering, and demand immediate remittance to “clear” the shipment. The administration emphasizes that customs officials never request money transfers, bank account passwords, or OTP codes via phone or social media. All legitimate customs duties and fines are paid only through official payment notices with barcodes at authorized channels (banks, convenience stores, e-payment). The public is urged to verify any suspicious contact by calling the Customs Anti-Smuggling Hotline (0800-025-777) or checking the official Customs Administration website. Victims should report immediately to the police (110) or the Anti-Fraud Hotline (165).
Key Takeaways
- Official Payment Channels Only: Customs duties and penalties are payable exclusively via official payment notices at banks, post offices, convenience stores, or the MOF e-payment portal. No customs officer will request direct transfers.
- Verification Protocol: Anyone receiving a suspicious call or message claiming to be from customs should hang up, not click links, and verify via the official hotline 0800-025-777.
- Reporting Mechanism: Fraud attempts should be reported to the police (110) or the National Police Agency’s 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline to assist investigations and protect others.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement