New customs fee on small parcels fuels fraud schemes

A new customs fee imposed on small parcels in Estonia has created fertile ground for fraudsters to devise new scams. Experts warn that scammers are exploiting anxiety related to customs fees to trick people into disclosing banking details or PIN codes. Consumer protection specialists recommend always visiting the official website of the service provider when receiving suspicious messages or calls.

Estonia's new customs fee on small parcels has created an ideal environment for fraudsters to launch fresh scams. Scammers deliberately create situations where consumers feel pressured and act hastily, which is exploited to steal banking details and PIN codes.

How the fraud scheme works

According to specialists, fraudsters intentionally create the impression that a parcel will not be delivered, that a fine will be added, or that payment must be made immediately. In such situations, it is important to hang up the call, not to open any links in messages, and to go directly to the official website of the service provider.

"If a call, message, or email creates anxiety and pressures you to act immediately, that is a first warning sign. No legitimate organization will hound you for your PIN codes, passwords, or bank card details in order to deliver a parcel," emphasises Kendal.

What legitimate organizations do not do

It is important to know that state authorities, courier companies, banks, and telecommunications providers never ask for Smart-ID, Mobile-ID, or bank card PIN codes over the phone. They also do not request passwords for internet banking, email, or mobile applications over the phone, nor do they ask you to enter sensitive information through links sent during calls.

Moreover, legitimate organizations do not direct payments to unfamiliar websites, do not ask you to hand over cash to a courier, and do not request money transfers to allegedly secure accounts. Parcel declaration and customs fee payment never happen over the phone.

How to act in case of suspicious notification

In case of a suspicious message or call, leave links and QR codes unopened and do not enter personal data, bank card information, or passwords. Parcel information should be checked only in the service provider's official self-service portal; for Omniva, visit minu.omniva.ee, and for the Tax and Customs Board, use only the official website.

If data has already been entered or PIN codes confirmed, contact your bank immediately, revoke access, and report the incident to the police.