This notice is presented for archival purposes only. It may contain information that is no longer correct or relevant in the current year. Information within this notice was correct on the date it was issued.
This notice was issued in 2020.
Customs customers and staff have been receiving text messages on their private and work phones to click on a link for a UPS package and pay for an unpaid customs charge.
Please remember: Customs never contacts individuals or businesses about the arrival of goods in New Zealand because goods are not physically received by Customs. All imported goods are delivered to warehouses run by licensed freight forwarders which are known as Customs-controlled Areas. Freight companies contact their client/s when import tax is to be paid.
For more information advising clients how and when goods arrive in New Zealand and when tax is payable or not:
Customs advises customers not to respond to these recent suspicious texts and to contact UPS NZ or report the matter to the Police.
The Department of Internal Affairs has a TXT spam service which collects reports on malicious scams. If you receive a suspicious text message, forward the message to 7726. More details about this service can be found on the DIA's website.