Bank of Ireland warns about expected scams on new customs charges

Bank of Ireland warns about expected scams on new customs charges

29 June 2026: Bank of Ireland is warning customers to be extra vigilant of scam messages seeking payment of customs charges. From 1 July charges will be applied to all purchases valued at less than €150 entering Ireland from outside the EU, with each unique item in a package subject to a €3 charge plus VAT.

This change is likely to result in a surge of fraud attempts, as criminals seek to exploit customers who may be expecting to pay custom charges. Bank of Ireland is advising people to treat any messages about customs charges with extreme caution.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud Protection, Bank of Ireland said: "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.

"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."

An Post will never send you a payment link in a text message. Any customs-related text claiming to be from An Post that includes a clickable link should be treated as a scam. Similarly, Revenue will never contact customers seeking payment of customs charges by text.

Bank of Ireland is urging customers to remain vigilant and take simple steps to protect themselves from scams.

What you can do:

• Do not click on or open suspicious links and attachments in a text message that appears to come from a trusted source.
• If you click on a suspicious link or if you're unsure whether a message is genuine, call us on our Freephone numbers 1800 946 764 as soon as possible.
• Never respond to a text message unless you are sure the text is genuine.
• Always independently verify any request for payment or personal information.

Do not share:

• Your full card details (for example, your 16-digit number, expiry date and CVC)
• Your six-digit passcode or full 365 PIN
• Any one-time activation codes.
• Online banking credentials.

Remember: If something doesn't feel right, stop, take a moment to think, and verify the request through an official channel before taking any action.

Bank of Ireland is also advocating for the introduction of an SMS Scam Filter as a key intervention that would give the most comprehensive and future-proofed protection against scam SMS messages. Ireland is at risk of becoming more out of step from other EU and English-speaking countries in not having an SMS scam filter. This will make Irish consumers increasingly exposed to fraud attempts by SMS. Legislation should be prioritised to facilitate its introduction as soon as possible.