Do US Customs Send Text Messages? How to Spot the Shipping Scams

You're waiting on a package. Maybe it's those boots from an overseas boutique or a specialized camera lens from a seller in Japan. Then, your phone buzzes. It's a text. The message claims to be from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It says your shipment is "detained" or has a "unpaid duty fee" of $2.50. There is a link. It looks official. You’re stressed. But wait.

Stop. Do not click.

So, does US Customs send text messages? The short answer—the one that will save your bank account—is a hard no. In almost every conceivable scenario involving a standard consumer shipment, CBP will not text your personal cell phone to ask for money or personal details. They just don't work that way. It’s not because they’re old-fashioned; it’s because of strict federal privacy and security protocols that prevent them from using SMS as a primary contact method for the general public.

Why the "CBP" Text is Usually a Trap

Scammers love the federal government. They love the authority it carries. When you see a message from "U.S. Customs," your brain goes into high-alert mode. You think about legal trouble. You think about lost money. That’s exactly what the "Smishers"—SMS phishers—want.

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These criminals use "spoofing" technology to make it look like a message is coming from a legitimate government entity or a major carrier like DHL or FedEx. But here’s the reality: CBP deals with the goods, not the person at the end of the line, at least not initially. If there is an issue with your imported package, the communication chain is very specific. Usually, the carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) handles the paperwork. If the government actually seizes something, they aren't going to send a breezy text with a Bitly link. They’re going to send a formal "Notice of Seizure" via the U.S. Postal Service to your physical address.

The Paper Trail vs. The Digital Ghost

Think about how the government handles taxes. Do they text you? No. They send a letter that looks like it was printed in 1984. Customs is similar. CBP official policy dictates that formal notifications regarding seizures, fines, or penalties are sent through official government mail.

If you get a text saying "Your package is held at customs due to an incorrect address, click here to update," you’re looking at a scam. Customs doesn't care if your address is wrong. If the address is wrong, the carrier sends it back to the sender. CBP only cares if the contents are illegal, counterfeit, or subject to unpaid duties. Even then, they work through the "Entry Summary" filed by the broker or the manifest provided by the airline or shipping line.

What Real Communication Looks Like

Let's say there actually is a problem. Maybe you bought a "designer" bag that turns out to be a knockoff. Or perhaps you’re importing 500 units of something for a side hustle.

1. The Carrier Reaches Out: If a duty (tax) is owed, the shipping company—think DHL or FedEx—will usually contact you. They might send an email or an app notification if you have an account with them. They act as the "broker."
2. The Official Mail: If CBP seizes an item because it violates Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) or safety standards, they will mail a "Choice of Abandonment" or a formal seizure notice to the importer of record.
3. The Portal: Professional importers use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal. It’s a complex, secure system. It is definitely not an iPhone's "Green Bubble" chat.

I’ve seen people lose thousands because they thought a $3 "re-delivery fee" was legitimate. Once you enter your credit card info into that "Customs" link, the scammers have your details. They don't take the $3. They take everything.

How the Scams Are Getting Smarter in 2026

We’re seeing a massive uptick in "Customs" scams that use incredibly specific details. Sometimes, these scammers get your data from legitimate (but compromised) e-commerce sites. They might actually know you have a package coming. This makes the question "does US Customs send text messages" even more vital.

They use "urgency" as a weapon. "Action required within 4 hours or your package will be destroyed." Federal agencies don't move that fast. Anyone who has ever waited for a passport or a tax refund knows the government is many things, but "lightning fast via text" isn't one of them.

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Red Flags to Keep an Eye On

• The Link is Weird: Official government sites end in .gov. If the link is us-customs-clearance-office.com or bit.ly/package-update, it’s fake.
• The Grammar is Off: Look for "kinda" weird phrasing. "Kindly pay the fee" is a classic hallmark of international scam centers.
• Requests for Crypto or Gift Cards: No federal agency accepts payment in Bitcoin or Apple Gift Cards. Period. Honestly, if anyone asks for a gift card for a "fine," just hang up or delete the text.

What to Do If You Clicked

It happens. You were tired, you saw the notification, and you tapped. If you just clicked the link but didn't enter data, you might be okay, but your IP address is now marked as "active" by the scammers. Expect more spam.

If you entered your credit card info:

1. Call your bank immediately. Freeze the card.
2. Report it to the IC3. That’s the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
3. Forward the text to 7726. This is the universal "SPAM" reporting number for most major carriers.

The Exception (That Proves the Rule)

There is one tiny, specific instance where you might get a text related to CBP: Global Entry. If you are a member of the Trusted Traveler Program, you might receive SMS alerts for interview appointments or status changes if you opted into those notifications in your official TTP dashboard. However, even these texts will never ask for money or social security numbers. They are purely "Check your account" alerts.

Also, if you are using the CBP One™ mobile app—which is a real, legitimate app for travelers and shippers—you might get notifications through the app. But that’s a secure environment you’ve already logged into via Login.gov. It's a world away from a random text from a 10-digit number you don't recognize.

How to Verify Your Package Status Safely

If you’re genuinely worried about a package, ignore the text and go to the source.

• Check the Tracking Number: Go directly to the USPS, UPS, or FedEx website. Type in the number manually. Do not click the link in the text to get there.
• Contact the Seller: If the tracking says "Held in Customs," contact the merchant. They usually have a broker who can tell them exactly what’s going on.
• CBP Information Center: You can actually call the CBP directly at 1-877-227-5511 if you have a legitimate seizure number or a complex issue. They are surprisingly helpful, though you might be on hold for a bit.

Basically, the "Customs text" is the new "extended warranty" call. It's a volume game for scammers. They send ten million texts, and if only 0.1% of people fall for it, they've made a fortune. Don't be that 0.1%.

Protecting Your Data

In a world where our phone numbers are leaked in every other data breach, your best defense is skepticism. Treat every unsolicited text from a "government agency" as a lie until proven otherwise.

Actionable Steps to Take Right Now

1. Delete and Block: If you receive a text claiming to be from CBP about a package, delete it immediately. Do not reply "STOP." Replying lets them know your number is active.
2. Use Official Apps: Download the "Shop" app or the official carrier apps to track shipments. They provide a secure, consolidated view of your deliveries without needing to rely on SMS.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Ensure your shipping accounts (like FedEx Delivery Manager) are protected by 2FA.
4. Educate Others: If you have parents or friends who shop online frequently, tell them that does US Customs send text messages? No. They're a prime target for these "low-cost duty" scams.

The reality is that CBP is a massive, complex agency focused on national security and trade. They are busy inspecting cargo containers and processing millions of travelers. They simply do not have a department that sends out text messages to individuals about a $2.00 clearance fee. If you remember that one simple fact, you're already ahead of the scammers.

Keep your money in your pocket and your packages on the right track by staying off the "click here" path. If it’s important, you’ll get a letter on official stationery. Until then, stay skeptical.

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Verified Fact Check: This information is consistent with official warnings issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding "Smishing" scams and their standard operating procedures for notification of seized property under 19 CFR § 162.31.