Citizens have recently been receiving growing numbers of messages that supposedly originate from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security is issuing a warning concerning these messages and recommends ignoring them and deleting them.
More and more private individuals and businesses are receiving so-called "phishing" messages in which fraudsters request payment using the name of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. The recipients supposedly need to transfer money in order to receive a package they have ordered. It can also happen that the fraudsters call beforehand and pretend to be customs experts in order to gain trust. The current phishing mails often feature "notification@ezv.admin.ch", "zoll-paket-dienste@schweiz-zoll.ch" or "zollauskunft@ezv-admin.ch" as the sender. In addition, the fraudsters use FOCBS logos without authorisation, create copycat documents, etc. In light of this, the FOCBS would like to stress that it never sends payment requests by email or text message, nor contacts citizens or companies by telephone beforehand. It is therefore recommended that calls or messages of this kind be ignored and the messages deleted.
The FOCBS makes every effort to protect consumers from fraud and is in ongoing contact with the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC). It reports known incidents to the NCSC and, where the law permits, takes action against fraudsters. It also keeps the general public informed via its homepage www.bazg.admin.ch and, in larger-scale campaigns, with press releases.
Current examples of fraud
- Call or e-mail with a request to collect an ordered parcel from a service centre.
- SMS with the claim that a package cannot be cleared by customs due to an invalid postcode.
Examples of phishing messages
What can you do?
Ignore the call and/or delete the message.
You can play your part in the fight against cybercriminals by reporting it to the NCSC (reporting form). Check on www.ncsc.admin.ch beforehand, to see whether your type of phishing message has already been registered. You can find the latest reports here: NCSC report (admin.ch).
If you are unsure, you can contact the NCSC (contact information).
If you have suffered a financial loss as a result of phishing, you should file charges at a police station and contact the NCSC. The FOCBS accepts no responsibility for unlawful costs, fees or payments of any kind arising out of fraudulent activity.
You will also find useful information on the following page: fraudulent telephone calls with automated announcement from Customs
