If you’ve ever ordered something online and gotten a follow-up message about a shipping delay, you’re not alone. Scams are rapidly evolving in 2025, targeting unsuspecting consumers in new and sophisticated ways. A new ploy preys on tariff confusion, leaving unsuspecting shoppers frustrated and out of luck.
If you’ve heard excuses like, “Your package is stuck in customs due to tariffs,” you may have encountered this scam. Many consumers report feeling uncertain about when and how tariff charges apply to their online purchases. Most reputable online retailers clearly account for tariffs in their pricing—but scammers exploit this complexity to trick shoppers.
Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself.
How Tariff Scams Prey on Shoppers
Several factors are causing consumers to fall victim to these scams. First, many people don’t fully understand what tariffs are or how they work. This confusion allows scammers to fabricate excuses about delays or extra fees.
According to the Better Business Bureau, “Reports to BBB Scam Tracker show [tariffs] increasingly being used by scammers to delay or ignore refund requests”.
Second, tariff-related costs vary depending on the retailer, product, and country of origin, which makes the idea of sudden unexpected charges seem plausible. Some requests for payment after a product has been purchased may be legitimate. Consumers have reported receiving requests from shipping companies to pay for customs clearance, an uncommon but legitimate charge.
The proliferation of social media ads and unfamiliar e-commerce sites has led to shoppers taking chances on sellers they haven’t researched.
How the Scam Works
The scam often begins with a captivating online ad. You might see a promoted post on social media or stumble across a professional-looking website offering an irresistible deal. After completing your purchase, trouble starts when your order doesn’t arrive.
Sellers will claim your package is delayed in customs due to tariffs or international shipping regulations. Then comes the kicker—some scammers demand additional payments to “release” your package or supply a bogus tracking number indicating it’s been delivered to a different state altogether. Here’s an actual case reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB):
“After two months of waiting for my order, the company replied to my multiple emails saying it was delayed in customs due to tariffs. Since then, they’ve stopped responding entirely.”
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Protect yourself by being vigilant. Look out for these telltale signs of a tariff-related scam when shopping online:
- Fake or Misleading Tracking Information: Scammers provide tracking numbers that don’t work or show deliveries to completely unrelated addresses.
- Requests for Additional Payments: Sellers asking for extra fees to release or ship your order are likely fraudsters. Ensure proper documentation is provided by the seller to prove the charge is legitimate.
- Suspicious Customer Service: Poor grammar, canned responses, or poor customer service should immediately raise red flags.
What to Do if You’ve Fallen Victim
Follow these steps to act quickly and minimize your losses:
- Contact Your Payment Provider
If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge immediately. Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards or payment apps.
- Document Everything
Save screenshots of the ad, email correspondence, and any tracking details. These records will be valuable when filing disputes or complaints.
- Warn Others
Leave reviews or share your experience online to alert other consumers. Scammers rely on secrecy, so spreading the word makes it harder for them to operate.
Stay One Step Ahead
The best defense against scams is knowledge. By understanding how scammers exploit tariffs and recognizing the signs of fraudulent behavior, you can shop with confidence and avoid being duped. Keep in mind that legitimate businesses don’t suddenly pass on tariff fees after a purchase is complete, and trustworthy websites will have clear and verifiable customer service channels.
