The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) would like to alert members of the public on the fake Facebook and WhatsApp messages requesting payments to clear Customs charges before their goods are released. 

FRCS is concerned that despite numerous awareness on this issue, people are still continuing to become susceptible to such scams and are losing thousands of dollars in the process.

Information gathered by FRCS revealed that a number of Fijians are being tricked through fake Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger requests advising them that the goods they have imported were being held by Customs and that they need to pay customs clearance fees into numerous local bank accounts that are being provided by the scammers through social media. 

This money is then withdrawn from bank accounts by swindlers and remitted through the post office to their partners.  

FRCS would like to clarify that payment for customs clearance is only done at FRCS counters and through the FRCS bank account. FRCS will never ask anyone through Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger to make payments. If people receive such requests, they should call FRCS Hotline number 1326 or email us at info@frcs.org.fj for verification before remitting the funds.  

Members of the public and social media users need to be vigilant and avoid not becoming prey to such type of fraudulent activities. It is important for people to be aware of the scam activities that are happening. 

FRCS is advising people to verify with FRCS when they receive any requests for customs payments through Facebook or WhatsApp before making any payments. They can report to the Fiji Police Force or the Consumer Council of this scam.  Also, if people receive calls that their goods have arrived and they don’t know the person calling, they should request the Bill of lading /Airway bill copy or reference number and check with FRCS-Customs Division if the goods have arrived before paying the customs duty as requested by the caller.  

For further information, please contact on 1326 or email on publicrelations@frcs.org.fj.