Irish shoppers told 'be extra vigilant' of scam texts ahead of 'Temu tax' introduction
An Irish bank is warning online shoppers to be extra vigilant ahead of the introduction of new customs tax rules
Irish shoppers are being reminded to be “extra vigilant” of scam texts ahead of the introduction of the “Temu tax” later this week.
From July 1st, new EU-wide Customs rules will come into effec, impacting goods valued at €150 or less bought from outside the European Union.
The changes will see a flat €3 Customs Duty charge, being dubbed the “Temu tax,” apply to each item contained within a parcel arriving from a non-EU country.
Shoppers are now being urged to watch out for opportunistic scammers sending texts.
“Fraudsters are always on the lookout for emerging opportunities, and the introduction of new custom charges enables them to exploit the situation. From 1 July, we are urging people to be extra vigilant of scam messages with links requesting customs charges,” Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud Protection, Bank of Ireland, told the Irish Mirror.
“The most effective defence is a ‘zero trust’ approach. Pause and question any unexpected contact, even if it appears to come from a delivery company or another trusted organisation. Never rely on phone numbers or links provided in messages. Instead, contact the seller or organisation directly using details from the official website. Stop, think and check before you click,” she added.
Customers are also being reminded that An Post will never send a payment link in a text message.
Revenue will never contact customers seeking payment of customs charges by text either.
The advice if you receive messages like this is to ignore them and treat them as scams, Freephone Bank of Ireland on 1800 946 764, and independently verify any request for payment or personal information.